Crackerjack - Other Change Planning Report

5.2 Economic Considerations - The Challenge of Operating Without Gaming Revenue

Across Queensland, bowls clubs have faced financial pressures due to changing community habits,
aging memberships, and increasing operational costs. Many clubs have adapted by diversifying
their revenue streams, with most relying on gaming, poker machines, Keno, and TAB facilities to
remain financially viable.

In the Noosa Shire, only two other bowls clubs remain operational—Pomona Bowls Club and Noosa
Lawns Club (formerly Tewantin-Noosa Bowls Club)—both of which sustain their operations primarily
through gaming revenue.

Comparison of Remaining Bowls Clubs in Noosa Shire


Club                   Key Revenue Sources Facilities & Services

                       ✔ Gaming machines
                       (16)
                                                     •    Chinese restaurant & takeaway (open 6 nights),
                       ✔ Keno
Pomona Bowls                                              Entertainment (Jag the Joker, footy tipping,
                       ✔ Full-service bar &
Club                                                      raffles), Barefoot bowls - Membership draws
                       bottle shop
                                                          and weekly prizes
                       ✔ Restaurant &
                       takeaway

                       ✔ Gaming machines
                       (25)
                       ✔ TAB                         •    3 bowling greens, 120-seat restaurant &
Noosa          Lawns
                       ✔ Keno                             takeaway, Multi-purpose function spaces,
Club
                       ✔ Licensed clubhouse               Future club upgrades planned

                       ✔ Large-scale
                       restaurant

                       ❌No gaming
                       machines
                                                     •    Family-friendly bowls experience, Small-batch
                       ❌No TAB/Keno
Crackerjack                                               distillery (28m²), Restaurant with local food &
                       ❌No gambling
(Proposed                                                 beverage focus, Long-term license agreement
                       revenue
Changes)                                                  with Cooroy Community Bowls Club - No
                       ✔ Focus on dining,
                                                          increase in site intensity or parking demand
                       sport, and social
                       engagement



Unlike Pomona and Noosa Lawns Clubs, Crackerjack does not rely on gaming revenue to sustain
its operations. Instead, the business model is built around:


RG Strategic                            Planning Report – Other Change Application                          15