Negotiations are continuing between the council and the Goulburn Workers Club to buy the hockey complex in the city's south.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But for now, responding to the coronavirus pandemic is both organisations' top priority.
At the March 17 meeting, councillors decided in a closed session to continue talks with the club for the purchase of 3.3 hectares of land currently used for hockey at the Workers Arena. It was confidential due to commercial information.
It followed another closed session last month in which councillors rejected The Workers' land valuation for the parcel. At the time, general manager Warwick Bennett described the council's and the club's valuations as "poles apart."
READ MORE:
But the club hasn't taken up a subsequent request for an independent valuation and a peer review of the different methodologies employed aimed at reaching an "acceptable amount."
The council wants to purchase the complex and a portion of surrounding land to preserve hockey's future in Goulburn. It intends, in conjunction with Goulburn and District Hockey Association, to upgrade a second field and build a third one in future to accommodate the growing fraternity.
In mid March, Mr Bennett told The Post that "positive negotiations" were underway and he remained confident of reaching a solution.
"We put a number of options to them," he said.
"...We're very conscious that the (Workers) directors have a significant fiduciary responsibility to their members. Working through this will be difficult for both parties but we're confident of a resolution."
Now, more talks will ensue, following the recent council meeting. Mayor Bob Kirk said there was an opportunity to negotiate an outcome but "it hadn't been top of the pops" in the past week.
The Workers Club has closed due to government rules surrounding coronavirus and the parties haven't met yet.
Meantime, the Hockey Association is anxious for a breakthrough. Their lease at the complex expires at the end of the 2021 season. Although not currently playing, due to coronavirus regulations, president Nadine Morton says there are still expenses to pay.
Association member Sharney Fleming pointed out that the Central Coast recently scored a $649,000 government grant for a hockey centre on council land.
"We can't access that type of funding because it's (the Workers complex) on private land," she said.
"If we don't get a breakthrough (on purchase negotiations) we'll fall apart."
The council has been meeting with the Association throughout talks.
But in good news, the Goulburn Soldiers Club is sponsoring junior hockey to the tune of $10,000.
Mrs Fleming said the Association approached the club and, as long time sponsors, they were happy to help.
"We thought it was very generous of them. We haven't had the money for anything like this for two years, so it helps a lot," she said.
Soldiers Club promotions and loyalty officer, Emma McColl said the organisation always wanted to help local sport.
"We look to continue our involvement in future," she said.
We care about what you think. Have your say in the form below and if you love local news don't forget to subscribe