By Kerri-Anne Mesner
The lease, for 10 years with a further five-year option, has eventuated despite concerns that the agreement would not allow other groups to use the facility.
Cairnlea resident Anna Muszak raised issues with the lease agreement at a general purpose advisory committee meeting on 14 August, saying the facility was originally promoted as a multi-use facility and the assignment of a long-term lease was a contradiction.
Ms Muszak also raised her concerns with the club, previously known as the Albion Rovers.
Councillor Miles Dymott, the only councillor who opposed the recommendation to approve the lease, said he was concerned with the processes that led to the lease agreement being approved.
He said that with about $30 from every household in Brimbank going into the facility, he was concerned about accessibility for other community organisations and clubs.
Councillor Costas Socratous said he was glad there were provisions in the licence agreement for the community to share the facility.
He said the president of the football club told the committee the club was willing to share.
“There are so many clubs waiting for premises and there are new clubs establishing every day,” he said.
Cr Socratous said the council had to make clubs aware they would have to share facilities because in five to 10 years’ time the council could be struggling to find premises for all clubs.
Councillor Jenny Barboza and Councillor Troy Atanasovski said the agreement would provide young people with more sporting opportunities.
