Posted: 20th June 2026

Bundaberg Regional Council speaks of the importance of supporting the community and ensuring decisions deliver benefits for residents.

Mayor Helen Blackburn campaigned on listening to the community and restoring trust, while Council publications continue to emphasise community wellbeing, community priorities and the value of local organisations.

As a long-established local, member-based, not-for-profit organisation serving the community, Bundaberg Genealogical Association (BGA) is one of those organisations.

Through the efforts and financial support of its members, BGA has preserved local history, assisted family researchers and maintained resources that benefit both members and the wider community.

Unlike commercial enterprises, BGA relies upon membership fees, donations and volunteer effort. Any surplus generated is reinvested into maintaining collections, preserving resources and providing services. Member-based organisations exist because people choose to contribute their time, expertise and financial support to preserve resources that might otherwise disappear.

Bundaberg Regional Council recently advised BGA that its annual Community Rent would increase from $55.00 to $451.00 at the next lease renewal.

This was following the adoption of the 2026–27 Community Rent fees and charges. The lease applies only to the 9 metre by 15 metre parcel of land occupied by the BGA building. It does not include the surrounding land or the building itself.

The increase represents approximately 720%.

In its correspondence, Council acknowledged "the value that organisations such as yours add to the community" and stated that it was "striving to meet the needs of community groups seeking to occupy and use Council owned or controlled land and facilities for community purposes".

BGA recognises that councils face rising costs and understands the need for responsible financial management. However, community organisations are equally affected by increasing expenses and often have limited opportunities to offset those costs. Significant increases fall upon members themselves and may require organisations to reduce services, increase fees or draw upon reserves accumulated over many years.

This concern is heightened by the fact that Council's current budget forecasts a substantial operating surplus while community organisations continue to experience increasing financial pressures.

BGA has not approached this matter lightly.

Following notification of the revised Community Rent Rate, members sought to better understand the rationale behind the increase and engaged with elected representatives regarding its potential impact.

Those discussions revealed differing views within Council.

BGA appreciates those councillors who took the time to listen and engage with the concerns raised. We also sought clarification from our divisional councillor, Steve Cooper. At the time of writing, no response has been received.

Councillors Jason Bartels, John Learmonth, Tracey McPhee, Bill Trevor and May Mitchell voted against the revised Community Rent arrangements. Their votes demonstrate that concerns regarding the impact on community organisations were shared by a number of councillors.

A single lease increase raises the broader question of  the long-term sustainability of member-based community organisations.

Increasing financial pressure could result in some organisations reducing services or, in some cases, closing altogether.

The preservation of local history may benefit BGA members, but its value extends far beyond the membership itself. Schools, researchers, local families and future generations all benefit from the work undertaken by members and volunteers.

The worth of a community organisation can't always be measured on a balance sheet.

If supporting the community remains a priority, then it should be reflected in the decisions that affect the organisations who serve it.