Ipswich community groups get five-year leases for as little as $1

Community groups in Redbank Plains, Karalee and Rosewood have secured five-year leases, including two agreements charging $1 a year if demanded.

The Creche and Kindergarten Association Limited will lease part of the Council-owned property at 460-466 Redbank Plains Road, Redbank Plains, for a kindergarten. The commencing rent is $3,150 a year excluding GST, payable to Ipswich City Council. The lease has no option for extension.

Play Matters Australia Ltd will use part of the Council-owned property at 56 Harold Summervilles Road, Karalee, for playgroup activities. The five-year lease carries an annual rent of $1 excluding GST, payable if demanded, and has no extension option.

Ipswich City Council, acting as trustee for the State of Queensland, also approved a five-year trustee lease with Rosewood Hack and Pony Club Inc. The lease covers part of Rosewood Showgrounds at 1 Railway Street, Rosewood, described as part of Lot 2 on RP35616. Its annual rent is $1 excluding GST if demanded, with no option to extend.

All three direct leases were approved under an exception to the usual auction or tender process in section 236 of the Local Government Regulation 2012. The resolutions identified each lessee as a community organisation, forming the basis for the exception.

The agreements allow kindergarten, playgroup and pony-club activities to continue on Council or trust land for five years. Any continuation after that period would require a further decision or agreement because the leases contain no extension options.

The leases were approved on 11 August. Councillor Pye Augustine moved the Redbank Plains lease, seconded by Councillor Jacob Madsen. Mayor Teresa Harding moved the Karalee lease, seconded by Councillor Jim Madden. Councillor Marnie Doyle moved the Rosewood lease, also seconded by Councillor Madden. Each motion was carried with no councillor recorded against it.