Council has agreed to write off part of the Ballina Seagulls debt, but this may be the last concession they offer to the club

The Ballina Seagulls are the NRRRL’s reigning premiers and will celebrate the club’s centenary this year. But they owe thousands of dollars to the council.

Ballina Shire Council will meet on Thursday, June 24, from 9am at council chambers, to discuss the Ballina Seagulls’ debt. Photo Cathy Adams / The Northern Star

Update Friday 3pm: Ballina Shire council has agreed to write off almost half of the debt owed by Ballina Seagulls.

At Thursday’s meeting, all councillors present voted unanimously to support the idea.

Council approved a write-off of $6,971.48, but with one condition: the club must first pay to council the remaining $8,515.98.

“Failing that, council (was) to proceed with formal debt recovery,” the motion stated.

Original story: Ballina Shire councillors may agree to write off almost half of the $15,000 owed by a local rugby league club.

The Ballina Seagulls are the Northern Rivers Rugby League’s reigning premiers and are celebrating the club’s centenary this year.

The club currently owes council a total of $15,579.70, which includes water consumption and access charges of $2637.44, wastewater consumption and access charges of $7530.15, rates of $5319.87, and interest of $92.24.

Back in April, the council’s financial committee decided to mandate general manager Paul Hickey to negotiate directly with the Ballina Seagulls Rugby League Club.

Councillors were open to a full write off of the debt, as soon as the club was able to offer further proof of its financial woes.

Council documents indicated that club representatives had previously provided the council with information, including audited financial statements, for the period up to September 30, 2019.

With limited information relating to the financial management of the club after that date, council staff and councillors were unable to properly assess the current financial status of the club.

The matter will be back for the council’s consideration at this month’s meeting, given that the club was able to provide more information about its current financial status.

“Following the incorporation of a not-for-profit entity, the Ballina Seagulls Football Club Incorporated, all functions previously undertaken by the Ballina Seagulls Rugby League Football Club Ltd have been undertaken by the new entity since January 1, 2021,” council documents state.

“The cash assets available to the Ballina Seagulls Rugby League Football Club Ltd are $8515.98, which includes the bank account balance of $7601.27 and a GST refund due to the club of $914.71.

“The accounts payable represents the rates and charges owed to council, with the amount of $15,579.70 prior to the write-off of interest of $92.24.

“The current balance owed to council, following the interest write-off, is $15,487.46.”

According to council minutes, club representatives have proposed to pay $8515.98 to council, with the balance of the debt, $6971.48, to be written-off.

Councillors have now the option of accepting this offer or refusing it, and proceed with formal debt recovery action.

Ballina Shire Council will meet on Thursday, June 24, from 9am at council chambers.