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YERONGA FOOTBALL CLUB Earlier this year, a meeting was held at the Clubhouse between representatives of the Yeronga Football Club and the AFL. Representatives of both Yeronga Football Club and Yeronga Services Club met with David Matthews, Ken Gannon, Richard Griffiths, and Ian Anderson of the AFL to discuss a proposal that involves the development of the parkland and facilities at Cansdale Street. For some time now, at the request of the AFLQ for improved administration facilities, both the AFLQ and the AFL have been looking into developing a site that can provide a practical management environment, but also act as a showpiece facility of the local League. A number of clubs were included in the initial investigations - this list has been reduced to two options. Consequently, the AFL commissioned feasibility reports to be completed on two sites, Coorparoo and Yeronga. The feasibility report relating to Yeronga was prepared by Cardno Engineering and submitted to the AFLQ and the AFL. A decision regarding the direction the AFL was made with the recommendation to develop the Yeronga facility. Since the AFL determined a firm direction, their task group has been involved in preparing final plans for the chosen site, consulting statutory bodies, organising service suppliers, and arranging external funding for the project. There is still a very long way to go with this proposal, and it will take a long time to achieve fruition. However, there is certainl a degree of measured optimism that the AFL has looked favourably at the opportunities presented by Yeronga. As part of the proposal, the Football Club will be expected to relinquish our governing lease of the parkland. This would revert to the AFL, and the Football Club would become a sub-lease holder of the area. For this, the AFL will look to fund significant redevelopment of the grounds and facilities. A contract between the Yeronga Football Club and the AFL, detailing the rights, responsibilities, and benefits of each party, will need to be written and accepted. As preparation, we are constantly considering what the Football Club's requirements are for such an agreement. A significant amount of work has previously been spent to develop the broad requirements of the Club for any future agreements or proposals. Ideally, we see a fantastic opportunity where the AFL funds a massive redevelopment of the grounds, the AFLQ bases their administration staff at the location, Brisbane (and in particular, Yeronga) gains a top class facility for football, and Yeronga Football Club holds the sole rights of Cansdale Street as a home ground for playing and trading. Everybody can win. The concept has been put towards the Management Committee, discussed thoroughly, and agreed that it offers a wonderful opportunity for Yeronga. Several members of the Committee have attended meetings with the AFL conducted by Cardno. The principle of pursuing the opportunity was presented to the members at the recent AGM, and accepted. Several Information Sessions and a Special General Meeting have been held for the members of the Club to better understand the concept on offer. There would inevitably be some short-term pain or inconvenience - but I believe this possibility offers a chance to underpin the Club's sustainability for decades to come. And yet, it must always be remembered that as the leaseholder of the parkland, the Yeronga Football Club will not relinquish control unless any proposals and agreements are to the clear benefit of the Football Club and its members. In the meantime, the Football Club continues to progress with status quo arrangements, finding new ways and means to increase the funding, trade, and support experienced by the Club. We remain the principle lease holder, and therefore are responsible for maintaining and developing the grounds in accordance with the terms of that lease. Given other developments underway or completed in the local area (the Village Retirement Home, Tennyson Tennis Centre, Boggo Road development, the Eleanor Schonell Bridge and Busway, even Olympic Soccer Club), there is an expectation to further improve the presentation of our facilities. We are positive about hte proposal that has been put to the Club, and extremely excited about what it can bring to both the Club and the area. But as the slow process continues, all current operations of the Club remain in full swing. Be sure to support the Club as often as you can to help us become the strong force of football we deserve to be within Brisbane. Sam Corless
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