A long-standing arts organisation on North Stradbroke Island could secure its future under a proposed new 10-year lease set to be decided by councillors next week.
A report to Redland City Council’s general meeting on January 21 recommends approval of a new lease for the North Stradbroke Island Arts and Pottery Group Incorporated over council-trustee land at 44 Mitchell Crescent, Dunwich.
The not-for-profit group has occupied the site for more than three decades and has operated continuously since its establishment in 1988, providing a creative and social hub for the local and wider island community.
According to the report, the organisation supports professional development for artists while encouraging broad community participation through weekly open studios and inclusive, cross-generational programs that strengthen social connection and wellbeing.
The site is located on a State-owned reserve for which Council acts as trustee.
While the group’s previous lease expired in 2022, renewal was delayed due to unresolved native title considerations affecting the area.
Council officers sought advice from the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, which initially supported only a short-term licence to occupy.
The arts group declined the 12-month option, citing the inability to plan and invest over the longer term, and has continued operating without formal tenure.
Further discussions with the department and the State Member for Oodgeroo in late 2025 resulted in advice that, as trustee, Council could authorise use of the land for an appropriate period despite ongoing Environmental Management Register investigations.
Based on that advice and Council’s standard approach to community leasing, officers are now recommending a new 10-year lease, subject to final documentation.
The report also notes that the existing lease plan does not provide adequate access to the site and that a new lease plan will be prepared to address this issue.
Building inspections carried out in May 2025 identified maintenance and compliance matters, including asbestos and electrical safety considerations.
Council officers have since confirmed that the organisation has met all legislative requirements and provided a detailed maintenance plan, which will be implemented immediately if the lease is approved.
Under the proposed arrangement, the lessee would be responsible for all lease preparation costs, ongoing maintenance and utilities.
A financial sustainability assessment is also required to be completed before the lease is formally signed.
Officers have recommended that Council approve the lease without going to tender, relying on an exemption under the Local Government Regulation 2012 that allows renewal of a lease to an existing community tenant.
If endorsed, the lease would secure the arts and pottery group’s long-term presence in Dunwich and preserve the venue as a cultural destination for North Stradbroke Island for at least the next decade.
