Crackerjack - Other Change Planning Report

6.3 Economic Viability Without Gaming Revenue

Operating a bowls club without gaming revenue presents a significant financial challenge, as
evidenced by the decline and closure of several bowls clubs across the region. Within Noosa Shire,
the only two other bowls clubs—Pomona Bowls Club and Noosa Lawns Club—have heavily diversified
into gaming, Keno, and TAB facilities to remain operational.

Unlike these clubs, Crackerjack has made a deliberate choice to operate without gaming machines,
TAB, or Keno, focusing instead on a community-first model centred around sport, dining, and social
engagement. However, this ethical decision also creates financial sustainability pressures, as
gaming revenue is a key contributor to other clubs' survival.

This application provides a sustainable, responsible alternative, ensuring that:

         ✅ The Cooroy Bowls Club remains viable without reliance on gambling revenue.
         ✅ The venue retains a family-friendly atmosphere that aligns with Noosa’s community
         values.
         ✅ The introduction of a small-batch distillery and enhanced dining facilities provides
         necessary financial support while remaining subordinate to the recreational function.

Without these changes, the venue risks following the same trajectory as other bowls clubs that have
ceased operations due to financial constraints. The $40,000 annual cost to maintain the bowling
green alone is a major expense, and this proposal provides a pragmatic solution to ensure ongoing
operation without relying on gaming revenue.

6.4 How This Proposal Aligns with Noosa Plan 2020

The Recreation and Open Space Zone Code under the Noosa Plan 2020 permits small-scale
ancillary uses that support the primary recreation function. This application is fully compliant with
these planning provisions, as it:

         ✔ Maintains the Cooroy Bowls Club as the primary use.
         ✔ Ensures that all ancillary activities remain small in scale and complementary to sport and
         recreation.
         ✔ Does not intensify the use of the site or increase parking demand.
         ✔ Enhances community engagement through improved dining and social facilities.
         ✔ Delivers improved amenity outcomes by reducing potential noise conflicts with
         residential properties.

By aligning with Noosa Council’s broader vision for sustainable, community-focused recreation
spaces, this application provides a responsible and forward-thinking approach to ensuring the
long-term viability of the Cooroy Bowls Club.




RG Strategic                        Planning Report – Other Change Application                     23