NSW Coalition promises clubs a better deal
The Member for Ballina Don Page this week met with representatives from registered clubs in the Ballina electorate and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will see some community groups receive an extra $112,000 a year in donations and support.
The MOU between the NSW Liberals and Nationals and Clubs NSW outlines the key measures that will be introduced to help secure the long-term financial viability of NSW Clubs as well as the increases in contributions they will make to the local community.
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals’ plan will see a reduction in tax rates for registered clubs as well an increase in their contributions to sports clubs, charities and community organisations,” Mr Page said.
“Our policy is designed to keep the money local clubs turnover in our communities – not to go off to Sydney in State taxes, never to be seen again.
“The MOU sets out a number of key measures including a reduction in club taxes which will save clubs in the Ballina electorate more than $300,000 a year.
“Local clubs currently donate more than $5 million annually to community groups and activities and this will increase by an additional $112,000 if we get into government.
“The 18 clubs in this electorate employ more than 400 people and make significant contributions to the local economy.
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals have designed the Clubs and Community Rescue Package to ensure the money spent at local clubs gets put back into the community that supports them.
“Many clubs in NSW have struggled since State Labor increased taxes in 2004 and this has resulted in the loss of more than 9000 direct jobs and the closure or amalgamation of 153 clubs.
“I am a strong supporter of local clubs and I recognise the important role they play in our communities as employers, providers of sporting facilities and meeting and entertainment venues.
“Clubs are still reeling under the Labor Government’s tax increases but our rescue package will ensure jobs are secured and money remains in our communities.”
CLUBS IN THE BALLINA ELECTORATE:
- There are 18 clubs in the Ballina electorate.
- They employ 428 staff in casual, part-time and full-time positions.
- There are 487 club volunteers and 45,967 members.
- Clubs in Ballina currently give $5,292,391 worth of community support to local community groups and activities.
- Clubs in Ballina would pay $311,573 less in tax under NSW Liberals and Nationals Government and contribute an extra $112,130 more to their local community via the Club Grants program.
