Southport RSL: Memorial club puts up multi-million offer for Southport complex

A multi-million deal has been put on the table to buy the Southport RSL site. It’s backer says the deal will let the sub-branch relocate as and better serve the veteran community.

THE Southport RSL Memorial Club says its offer to buy the second oldest RSL on the Gold Coast has been rejected.

President Mark Tull said the memorial club tabled a $5 million deal to the cash-strapped Southport RSL Sub-Branch.

He said the offer was based on an independent valuation of the Scarborough Street building and site and included “almost $2 million in cash” to allow the sub-branch to buy new premises.

Southport RSL. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

“We have put a very good offer on the table to secure the sub-branch’s future, with ongoing support from the club through fundraising, veteran’s health days, Anzac Day and other commemorations,” Mr Tull said.

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“Our offer would also save the sub-branch approximately $165,000 in commission and marketing costs, money that could be better used for them to continue their valuable welfare, pension and advocacy work.

The memorial club and the sub-branch are in a stand-off. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

“I’m really not sure why they can’t see this and why they’d want to jeopardise their ongoing funding and support base.”

But Sub-branch president John Riebling hit back, insisting the offer had not been rejected.

He said it had been put on hold while a decision was made about how to proceed with the sale.

“We are not just going to jump at the first offer,” he said.

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The memorial club said its independent market assessment, by national firm JMP Valuers, was based on the property being unencumbered freehold and in the current climate best suited for office use.

It was last week reported that the struggling sub-branch had voted to sell the site because it “can no longer afford to pay the current mortgage”.

In a September 28 letter to members, the sub-branch said it was “seeking the best outcome” for members.