General News
12 November, 2025
Plea for rates rethink
MEMBERS of Tinaroo Sailing Club are pleading with Tablelands Regional Council to rethink its decision not to give them a concession on their rates.
The club asked for a concession, which would have amounted to $4200, but this was rejected 4-3 at TRC’s September meeting, leaving the club to pay nearly $20,000 in rates this year.
The issue revolves around a new toilet block constructed by the club which has increased the number of pedestals from two to six, including a special all-abilities access toilet. The council has lifted the rates on this basis, which doesn’t make sense to club Commodore Roger Wadley.
“The same amount of waste is flushed down six toilets as went down two toilets – so there is no additional drain on the sewerage system, it just means people don’t have to wait so long in the queue,” he said.
Mr Wadley said the club needed to expand its amenities to cater to the club’s 300 members, and additional patrons when they host a major regatta in May every year. They also needed to provide an all-abilities access toilet for people with disabilities or special needs.
“There is a council toilet over the road but it is not for disabled people – we have included an all-abilities access toilet and the frustrating thing is that now we’re being charged extra for having these toilets,” he said.
“We’re a non-profit organisation and we’re trying to encourage kids and people to get active in the community – council say it encourages sport and participation but by slugging us extra for these pedestals, it’s a slap in the face.”
In a letter to the club, TRC stated that it was unable to give the club a concession because it had to be consistent in its dealings with all not-for-profits in the community to assure council’s financial sustainability.
Mr Wadley said the council advised them to cap some of the toilets if they wanted to reduce their rates.
“They want us to cap off the toilets that we just built!” he said.
“For their financial sustainability, they need to charge us these fees – what about the club’s financial sustainability to be able to provide the service for all those who want to sail?” he said.
The club is hoping that the decision to decline the concession will be rescinded and the council will support their request.
