A FUNDING request to upgrade fire exits at a Wattle Range Council-owned sporting complex has been rejected by the local government body.
The Mount Burr hall was erected at “Mick” and Jean Walker Oval around 60 years ago and has been leased out by council on a peppercorn basis.
The long-term lease is held by the Mount Burr United Football Club and the hall is used as its licensed clubrooms.
According to the club, its doors are marked as fire escapes but are considered old, unsuitable and in need of replacing at a cost of almost $14,000.
Known as the Mozzies, the club made a written request to council for the funds and also sought financial support for an additional toilet block at the oval.
According to its written and verbal submissions, the football club has no funds available for these works.
“The Mount Burr United Football Club has had a rather large historical debt with Wattle Range Council which we have made considerable effort to pay over the past two years,” stated the Mount Burr submission.
“There is currently around $4000 left owing on this debt, which two years ago was around $20,000.
“The club is 100pc committed to the repayment of this debt and has full intentions of clearing it full this year.
“In the past we have been fortunate to have the council support us with the improvements in the clubroom and were thrilled with the kitchen upgrade and some of the asbestos removal work that was undertaken.”
The submission also said an outdated toilet block was demolished in 2016 and needed to be replaced.
The football club delegation to the council meeting comprised treasurer Sophie Crauford and committee member Maurie Puiatti.
Ms Crauford said it was inappropriate for men to access toilets in the netball clubrooms as is currently occurring.
She said her club was unable to access council grants which require a co-contribution due to a lack of available funds.
However, in response to a query from Cr Moira Neagle, development services director Steve Chapple said the doors of the licensed clubrooms were not in breach of fire safety standards.
Mr Chapple said the doors were compliant with the building code which applied when they were erected many years ago.
Cr Peter Dunnicliff suggested the option of a door being installed to provide access to the toilets in the football changerooms.
Council chief executive Ben Gower recommended club officials hold discussions with council directors and bring recommendations to the budget-setting process.
In finishing the delegation, Mayor Des Noll OAM commended Ms Crauford and Mr Puiatti for their commitment to the Mount Burr United Football Club.
As Sorby Adams ward representative Cr Deb Agnew is president of the Mount Burr Netball Club, she declared a conflict of interest and absented herself from the discussion.
