Waverley councillors’ attempt to save Bondi Bowling Club after $1500 per week rent increase

Waverley councillors have called for an urgent meeting with Lands Minister Steve Kamper, after fears a 420 per cent rent hike could see the “beloved” Bondi Bowling Club shut its doors.

President of Bondi Bowling Club, Matty Graham, fears the Club will no longer be viable after the club was told its rent was increasing by 420 percent. Photo by Renee Nowytarger / News Local 03/10/23

Waverley councillors have called for an urgent meeting with Lands Minister Steve Kamper, after fears a 420 per cent rent hike could see the “beloved” Bondi Bowling Club shut its doors.

The club, located on Crown land, had paid $22,000 annually in rent however, under the new rent increase the figure has jumped to about $95,000, an extra $1500 per week.

A letter from the department of Crown Lands states the rate has been adjusted according to “market value”, with the rent change the first since 2009.

Club president Matty Graham has previously said he feared the club would no longer be viable, as a result of the rent hike.

Council papers indicate the club may have to “pass the cost” by increasing membership fees, and food and drinks prices.

President Matty Graham. Photo by Renee Nowytarger / News Local

Liberal councillors Sally Betts and Tony Kay tabled a motion at Tuesday night’s meeting calling for council to investigate ways it could “take over the management” of the site – “after consultation” with Bondi Bowlo – from the NSW Government.

The councillors also asked for an urgent meeting with Mr Kamper and for council officers to work with the volunteer-run club to identify ways to help raise funds, possibly through leasing the venue for events.

Minister Kamper said he was “happy to meet with Waverley Council to understand their intent”.

Former Waverley Council mayor Sally Betts. Photo: John Appleyard

Waverley councillor Tony Kay. Photo: Alan Place.

Before the meeting, Ms Betts told this publication that council should “do whatever we can to save” the bowling club as it was a “community hub”, and was well-attended for barefoot bowls, trivia and great food.

The not-for-profit club sees about 10,000 people come through its doors each year.

Ms Betts said the motion, which was adopted unanimously, was “a really good solution” and noted Crown lands often hand over “a bit of land” to be managed by local councils.

Council papers state 11,000 Crown Land leaseholders were recently told their rent had been redetermined and about 360 of those are facing increases of more than $2000 per week.

In council documents, Waverley Council general manager Emily Scott said council officers recommend “appropriate due diligence” be taken to ensure it was aware of the “full implications” in managing the land.

She further said council had many venues which were used for events and it would need to allocate “additional budget” if some were to be held at the bowling club.