GRANT District Council will throw the embattled Mount Gambier Community RSL a $5000 lifeline despite some councillors voicing their opposition to the organisation housing poker machines.
This follows a request by the RSL for financial assistance given its future continues to be on a knife-edge.
According to the RSL, the current facility was built in 2007 with a subsequent extension completed at a cost of $3m on top of its existing value.
Due to a recent downturn, its value has dropped, triggering a financial crisis for the iconic Mount Gambier organisation.
The RSL revealed last week it needed a $150,000 cash injection to avoid financial collapse and has offered three levels of sponsorship worth up to $20,000.
Despite some concerns being raised at the council meeting about using ratepayers’ money, the majority of councillors agreed to a $5000 sponsorship deal.
Speaking in the chamber, Cr Alan Hill said he did not feel comfortable handing over significant amounts of money to the RSL.
“I am a supporter of the RSL, although I am prepared to say I am not a member basically because they have poker machines there,” Cr Hill said.
“I believe they are good for this community and I would like to see it stay in existence.”
Cr Hill flagged an option was to sign up staff as members for one year rather than ploughing ratapayers’ cash into the business.
“If we hand over $5000, $10,000 or $20,000 and the RSL goes under, that money is gone 100pc,” he said.
“We are dealing with ratepayers’ money, that is what concerns me the most.”
Cr Gillian Clayfield said community members were questioning why people should put money into the RSL if there was not some change in how it was being managed and operated.
“They question whether they would be throwing their money away – when thinking about this (request to council) this is in the back of my mind and I am thinking they are the people we are actually representing,” Cr Clayfield said.
“I would not support putting in a large sum of money.”
Echoing similar comments, Cr Julie Reis questioned how the state RSL branch was helping the Mount Gambier organisation.
The councillor also suggested the RSL should canvass what the needs were for the Mount Gambier community.
“By providing a donation, is that going to go anywhere? It is time they start looking at what the needs are,” Cr Reis said.
“Maybe what they are doing is out-of-date now.”
Cr Shirley Little said she was also concerned about handing over a large sum of money given it would leave council wide open to other clubs requesting financial assistance.
“If you do it for one, they will say why did you do it for them and not anyone else?” the Tarpeena-based elected member said.
Cr Little said she was also against poker machines.
Adding to the lengthy debate, Cr Graham Slarks said council donated money each year to a variety of organisations, including sporting clubs and the Riddoch Art Galley.
“This is a community organisation, we do give money out to organisations,” Cr Slarks said.
While initially ruling out giving money to the RSL, he said he had a re-think given council often gave struggling community groups support and advice.
He argued council should give up to $5000.
