Wests lock in lease ahead of ripper cricket season

Townsville Western Suburbs Cricket Club will be celebrating their 75th anniversary this year, receiving an early gift from Townsville City Council in the form of a renewed decade-long peppercorn lease over their Cutheringa Park facility.

Wests President, Tony Hampson said there was exciting times on the horizon for the club, bolstered by the resigning of club’s lease.

“We celebrate our 75th anniversary this year, so it’s really great and exciting that we can continue to operate here at Cutheringa Park - the home of Western Suburbs Cricket and Mick Downey Oval,” Mr Hampson said.

“Not only Wests, but the whole community are appreciative the support from Council to make sure everyone has the opportunity to play cricket in a safe and happy environment, so I think it’s exciting that Council has helped out with that.”

Townsville Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said, where possible, Council was proud to provide its facilities to local clubs and organisations for a minimal fee as part of its broader investment in sport and community enrichment.

She said councillors had also voted to extend the Wulguru Park lease provided to the Wulguru United Football Club for the next 10 years, also at a cost of just $1 per annum.

“Both Western Suburbs Cricket and Wulguru United Football are great examples of sporting clubs that align with our community-centric focus here at Council,” Cr Greaney said.

“Whether it’s stoking the passion of the game in our youngest athletes, through to running high-level adult competitions across the entire North Queensland region, these clubs are part of our city’s social fabric.”

Divisional Councillor, Liam Mooney said it was an easy decision to renew thew lease for the club, with its rich 75-year history and a membership of just under 200 - as they geared up for a stellar 2025/26 season.

“It is an easy decision for councillors to see value in continuing to support these clubs through the provision of these peppercorn leases, so that they can continue contributing to the great sporting and competitive culture of our growing city,” Cr Mooney said.

Mr Hampson, who has been a member of the club for around 20 years said he was looking forward to seeing Western Suburbs Cricket Club grow in the decades to come.

“The club being here for another 75 years and beyond would be amazing,” Mr Hampson said.

“We have a lot of great volunteers, a good junior base of kids coming through, great parent support and our first women’s team this year in a long time – there’s a lot to be excited for so hopefully the club is here for long time yet.”

Council’s community lease program supports community groups, sporting clubs, theatre groups and scout groups to benefit from $4.91 million in subsidised rent in the 2025/26 FY, in addition to subsidised rates and utilities.