Kingaroy RSL awaits council approval to build $1.3m veteran welfare centre

The Kingaroy RSL is awaiting a council decision on its plan to construct a $1.3m welfare centre tipped to benefit the broader community.

The Kingaroy RSL sub branch has proposed a new community welfare centre and 12 veteran units to be built on a South Burnett Regional Council owned block.

The sub branch requested the council gift 6000 sqm of its 1 Pound St block where the new $1.3m centre could be built.

They said the remaining 29,000 sqm of land could be used for future council developments.

Honorary secretary Steven C Reynolds said the project was a win for all stakeholders

“Council would benefit from having a needed facility close to the CBD at zero cost,” he said.

“The construction would include facilities for RSL advocacy, catering, meeting rooms and would include disabled facilities.”

The RSL-owned welfare centre at 73 Kingaroy St would be sold to help finance the new centre.

Kingaroy RSL hopes to build their new veteran villas and community welfare centre at 1 Pound Street, Kingaroy

At a meeting on September 7, 2022, between the sub branch and the council, councillors expressed interest in other groups such as mental health and disability organisations joining with the RSL in a community welfare centre.

Mr Reynolds said the board was committed to community progress in Kingaroy.

“The facility would be available for community charity use,” he said.

“The RSL charitable objects are met in providing housing at low cost and a meeting centre for relevant RSL and community groups.”

Mayor Brett Otto said the proposal would be discussed as a notice of motion on Wednesday, October 12, at the liveability standing committee meeting.

“I commend this notice of motion to council,” he said.

Originally published as Kingaroy RSL awaits council approval to build $1.3m veteran welfare centre