Riddell league eyes Melton as new headquarters

THE Riddell District Football and Netball League is considering moving its headquarters from Sunbury to Melton.

The league has submitted an application to Melton Council, seeking funding to  establish its “permanent home” in Arnolds Creek at Melton South.

League general manager Rod Ward told a special council meeting last Tuesday about its submission, saying it would like to partner with the council to develop football in the area.

“We looked at the aspect of the clubs based in the RDFL and the BFL [Ballarat Football League] and the best of the information provided to us means we believe grassroots netball and football is worth more than $5.5 million to Melton council,” Ward told the meeting.

Later, he told the Weekly the league had also spoken with Hume and Macedon Ranges councils.

“We have spoken to all three councils over the past 12 months to find a permanent home. 

‘‘We’ve kept an open mind and realise the geographical centres of the league are Sunbury and Gisborne,” Ward said.

“We’ve engaged with the three councils and are working on a feasibility study for Arnolds Creek.

“We are expecting it will take one to two months for the council to process.” 

He said moving to Melton would not affect where finals were played.  Venues would continue to be decided through a tender process for clubs.