Frustrated sports teams and spectators who frequent the Whitsunday Sportspark are asking why their Club House, which has been ready for operation since February this year, remains closed for business.
Last weekend over 1000 people came through the sportsground, many of whom were visiting teams, and the Club House, although complete, was unable to serve any of them.
President of the Whitsunday Sportspark Committee, Justin Butler, said that they are desperately waiting for approval from two government departments in order to get the go ahead to begin operations.
“We put the applications in late last year and we have still received nothing back,” he explains.
“It would be great to have a bit of feedback so we can plan the opening.”
The applications are for a Liquor and Gaming Licence and a Freeholding Application which is currently with the Department of Natural Resources.
Once these are approved it will take less than two months to find staff and for the Club House to open.
“It would be nice to be open by the end of September in time for the summer sports,” said Justin.
“At the moment it is costing us money and we are desperate to get the facility open so that we can start making money.”
It is over $4000 a month for the insurance and electricity for the club to stay open, without even trading, and the building company, who have been “incredibly supportive”, will soon need to start charging interest on the $450,000 loan.
“We’re ready to roll! We just need these approvals,” explains Justin.
Once open, the Club House will be able to provide sports players and spectators with modern facilities that are worthy of a complex this size.
A large lobby, commercial kitchen, bar, dining areas, sports lounge, male and female accessible toilets, covered outdoor terraces, tiered seating and kids’ recreation area will all be open and available to the public.
In the meantime, sporting groups are able to utilise the facilities for their ‘tuck shop’ services.
President of Whitsunday Sportspark, Justin Butler, says the Clubhouse is ready to open as soon as the final approvals come through. Photo credit: Rachael Smith
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