 Recently elected NSW Premier Morris Iemma has indicated his desire to work with Clubs NSW in an endeavour to renegotiate a more realistic rate of tax.
It is with a great degree of sadness that we record the untimely passing on August 1 of our good friend and mate Robert Stone.
Robert will always be remembered and occupy a special place in the history of the St George Rugby League Football Club and the St George Leagues Club.
The State Government's Regulations on Smoking and Gaming Machine Taxation, which have been reported in previous editions, continue to be phased in thus placing pressure on our short and long-term profitability.
Stage one of these new smoking policies commenced on July 4, legislating that all clubs in NSW must have 50 per cent of the Club's total bar, gambling and recreation areas non-smoking.
Furthermore, on July 3, 2006, these same regulations will extend the non-smoking areas of Clubs.
Then, finally, on July 2, 2007, a total ban will apply in all internal areas of Clubs.
As a consequence members behaviour will have to adapt to these changes which could well see a downturn in revenue.
Stage 2 of the Gaming Machine Taxation came into force on September 1.
This increase will cost an approximate $100,000 per month and when added to the 2004 figure, will represent in total an additional tax of $2 million in the 2005/06 financial year.
It must also be remembered that this gaming machine tax is scheduled to increase annually until 2010/11, which will ultimately cripple the Club industry.
Recently elected NSW Premier Morris Iemma has indicated his desire to work with Clubs NSW in an endeavour to renegotiate a more realistic rate of tax.
These discussions are presently in train and hopefully in the not-too-distant future a mutually acceptable resolution will be reached.
As reported in the last Journal, the concept Masterplan study is continuing to explore the opportunities to make better use of the St George Leagues Club building and the surrounding lands to optimise future return on investment.
I draw your attention to a more detailed report from the General Manager on page 9.
The Dragons enjoyed a successful Telstra Cup competition with all three teams making the finals.
The NRL team finished in second place after 26 rounds of the Telstra competition, just missing out on the Minor Premiership on points for and against.
Unfortunately after winning the first game of the playoffs, we were beaten in the preliminary final.
Although somewhat disappointed by this outcome, we can draw strength from the fact we have a comparatively young side made up mostly of local juniors who will improve even further next year.
Without a doubt this current group of players has the potential to develop into a champion team.
The Premier League side finished the season in sixth place but was also put out in the preliminary final.
Our most successful team was the Jersey Flegg, which won both the minor and major premierships.
The is the first time in the history of St George-Illawarra that the Club has won this trophy.
Congratulations to all of our players, coaching and support staff on what has been achieved in 2005.
In recognition of the skill of our players Trent Barrett, Matt Cooper, Mark Gasnier and Jason Ryles have been selected in the touring Kangaroo team to play in the tri-series against Great Britain and New Zealand.
I draw to your attention that Club membership subscriptions are due on December 31.
Renewal notices will be sent separately and a number of options are available to meet your individual needs.
Please contact the Membership Office for more information.
The festive celebrations seem to start earlier each year, so if you wish to use the Club's facilities, please book as soon as possible.
On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff, I wish all of our members and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Warren Lockwood Chairman
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St George Leagues Club
NEWS
