Clubs closing fast: survey

January 2, 2005 - 12:34PM

Registered clubs across NSW are closing in record numbers, according to a survey commissioned by ClubsNSW.
The survey says the Lismore RSL will close later this week, making it the 126th club to close or amalgamate between 2000 and 2004.
Fifty-four clubs closed between 1997 and 2000, the survey found.
ClubsNSW chief executive David Costello said the group was concerned about the number of clubs set to close over the next several years as a result of the NSW government's poker machine tax, which took effect in September.
He said last week's reported three per cent increase in gaming revenue for clubs was not a protection against what might happen in the future.
"With poker machine tax rates now being increased for medium and large clubs, the future is more than bleak," he said.
Gaming Minister Grant McBride said it was up to clubs to ensure community resources would not be lost to their local communities.
"Clubs also need to ensure they stay relevant to their communities, providing the services and facilities those communities demand," he said.