32 minutes ago, picket fence said:

Lets form a coalition with the libs eh??

Congrats, picket: post #7000

3 hours ago, beelzebub said:

Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right, but here I am, stuck in the record groove with you!

On 30/01/2026 at 13:20, Gorgoroth said:

North side, south side...

TBH I don't think we will know anything for months yet. If we have a home base by 2030 I'll be amazed!

You are not alone Gorgoroth. I don’t believe the Racing club want to share. They have had it all to themselves for 150 years and believe they can out wait schools and pesky football clubs. They simply don’t want us or anyone else there. Drag it out till November this year and chances are there will be a change of government and it all starts again. A minority liberal government held in place by the right winger from QLD. That will be too hard for them and the MRC will carry on all by themselves.

6 hours ago, picket fence said:

Nooo its much worse than that,my Grandchildren will all be retired before any announcement is made and by that time we will be training in a Klingon off world colony!

I wonder if they have snakes on Qo'noS

1 hour ago, BigBadBustling said:

I wonder if they have snakes on Qo'noS

MONSTROUS HYBRIDS OF CROSS BRED CONGA EELS AND BAR RUATH DA'S

VERRY VERY DANGEROUS

2 hours ago, old dee said:

You are not alone Gorgoroth. I don’t believe the Racing club want to share. They have had it all to themselves for 150 years and believe they can out wait schools and pesky football clubs. They simply don’t want us or anyone else there. Drag it out till November this year and chances are there will be a change of government and it all starts again. A minority liberal government held in place by the right winger from QLD. That will be too hard for them and the MRC will carry on all by themselves.

They don't want to wait out the school - that $190 million goes to paying off their debt.......

12 hours ago, Harvey Wallbanger said:

They don't want to wait out the school - that $190 million goes to paying off their debt.......

Then why ain’t they moving forward, the School and the MFC are keen. What is the problem. We can safely that this saga is now years in the making.

What is the hold up HW. The MFC have retracted into silence that has now been going on through multiple GM’s, multiple Presidents and boards. What is the hold up that has driven people underground for now years?

21 hours ago, Roost it far said:

Reading this thread there appears 2 groups. The first appears to be a small group of people who have some, what appears to be legitimate information and they remain cautiously optimistic of success. The second group is largely everyone else who thinks this will, or likely already has, crashed and burned. I'm backing Group 1 until they join group 2.

Unfortunately History is on the side of failure

3 minutes ago, old dee said:

Then why ain’t they moving forward, the School and the MFC are keen. What is the problem. We can safely that this saga is now years in the making.

What is the hold up HW. The MFC have retracted into silence that has now been going on through multiple GM’s, multiple Presidents and boards. What is the hold up that has driven people underground for now years?

This post is spot on.

Even if it’s not progressing like we had hoped, let us know.

14 minutes ago, Dannyz said:

This post is spot on.

Even if it’s not progressing like we had hoped, let us know.

Last week I spoke to some people at Glen Eira who should know, but didn't really.

They said the City of Glen Eira is in favour of us at the racecourse and expected community benefit.

They didn't know what the hold up is, but they thought it could be State Government finance as a guess.

That suggests that Glen Eira is not involved in ongoing discussions.

The school is 100% in favour of the MFC and they are aligned.

I haven't heard what the Trust is saying, but it would have been a yes, or no, a long time ago.

The people at a committee lunch on a race day at the MRC, were told by the MRC Chairman in his welcome speech that the MFC would be their neighbour soon.

Therefore it does seem there is something else stopping progress info and an announcement and perhaps it is in fact the State Government.

Obviously there is ongoing discussion about specifics of the project, but I would imagine the reason we are not getting any info, is because of an embargo on it and the likely responsible party for that, does seem to be the State Government. It could well be a condition of their financial contribution, that they control the narrative.

That does seem the most likely reason we are getting crickets.

If this was not happening, we would have been told by now.

A failure of this project after so many attempts, would have to in some way affect the Board's ability to continue, imo.

It is probably our most important issue, other than on field success, which is probably affected by this issue as well.

I remain in Group 1.

1 hour ago, Redleg said:

Last week I spoke to some people at Glen Eira who should know, but didn't really.

They said the City of Glen Eira is in favour of us at the racecourse and expected community benefit.

They didn't know what the hold up is, but they thought it could be State Government finance as a guess.

That suggests that Glen Eira is not involved in ongoing discussions.

The school is 100% in favour of the MFC and they are aligned.

I haven't heard what the Trust is saying, but it would have been a yes, or no, a long time ago.

The people at a committee lunch on a race day at the MRC, were told by the MRC Chairman in his welcome speech that the MFC would be their neighbour soon.

Therefore it does seem there is something else stopping progress info and an announcement and perhaps it is in fact the State Government.

Obviously there is ongoing discussion about specifics of the project, but I would imagine the reason we are not getting any info, is because of an embargo on it and the likely responsible party for that, does seem to be the State Government. It could well be a condition of their financial contribution, that they control the narrative.

That does seem the most likely reason we are getting crickets.

If this was not happening, we would have been told by now.

A failure of this project after so many attempts, would have to in some way affect the Board's ability to continue, imo.

It is probably our most important issue, other than on field success, which is probably affected by this issue as well.

I remain in Group 1.

That being the case I would say the only chance we have of moving forward is that the state government sees some advantage of moving forward and commit a substantial amount of money to the project before the state election in November. From my view point out here in the western suburbs I see little chance of that happening. I know 3 MFC supporters around me and that is the problem we are spread all over Victoria. There is not one or two electorates that a government member could look at his electorate and say Yep my constituents would think that is a popular move that will make a substantial number think well of me. Sadly we are not a Geelong or Footscray. Out here in the west there are numerous problems that need Government attention and funds that will impress the voters, the MFC is not one of them. From your Comment Mr. Leg it would seem the MFC is lashed to an anchor called the the state government until they cut us from this anchor nothing will happen.

Edited 18 hours ago18 hr by old dee

1 hour ago, Redleg said:

Last week I spoke to some people at Glen Eira who should know, but didn't really.

They said the City of Glen Eira is in favour of us at the racecourse and expected community benefit.

They didn't know what the hold up is, but they thought it could be State Government finance as a guess.

That suggests that Glen Eira is not involved in ongoing discussions.

The school is 100% in favour of the MFC and they are aligned.

I haven't heard what the Trust is saying, but it would have been a yes, or no, a long time ago.

The people at a committee lunch on a race day at the MRC, were told by the MRC Chairman in his welcome speech that the MFC would be their neighbour soon.

Therefore it does seem there is something else stopping progress info and an announcement and perhaps it is in fact the State Government.

Obviously there is ongoing discussion about specifics of the project, but I would imagine the reason we are not getting any info, is because of an embargo on it and the likely responsible party for that, does seem to be the State Government. It could well be a condition of their financial contribution, that they control the narrative.

That does seem the most likely reason we are getting crickets.

If this was not happening, we would have been told by now.

A failure of this project after so many attempts, would have to in some way affect the Board's ability to continue, imo.

It is probably our most important issue, other than on field success, which is probably affected by this issue as well.

I remain in Group 1.

Was that comment by MRC Chair made at Caulfield yesterday? If so, that’s as positive a titbit as we’ve had in a long time.

It must be government funding given the secrecy and that we’ve established other stakeholders are on board with the exception of the MRC who wouldn’t be able to stop the project.

Nice update RL. Appreciate it.

Edited 19 hours ago19 hr by Dannyz

2 hours ago, Redleg said:

The school is 100% in favour of the MFC and they are aligned. Not sure what that actually means to the decision makers and funding

I haven't heard what the Trust is saying, but it would have been a yes, or no, a long time ago. But never really evidenced and changes to MRC board since

The people at a committee lunch on a race day at the MRC, were told by the MRC Chairman in his welcome speech that the MFC would be their neighbour soon. This is the most positive and important fact THanksRL

Obviously there is ongoing discussion about specifics of the project, but I would imagine the reason we are not getting any info, is because of an embargo on it and the likely responsible party for that, does seem to be the State Government. It could well be a condition of their financial contribution, that they control the narrative. Yes we can only imagine any reasons as the club and all involved are not communicating

That does seem the most likely reason we are getting crickets. Hope you are correct

If this was not happening, we would have been told by now. Not sure given your final point

A failure of this project after so many attempts, would have to in some way affect the Board's ability to continue, imo. Without doubt the most significant point. Too many egos involved

Just a few points to emphasise

2 hours ago, Redleg said:

Last week I spoke to some people at Glen Eira who should know, but didn't really.

They said the City of Glen Eira is in favour of us at the racecourse and expected community benefit.

They didn't know what the hold up is, but they thought it could be State Government finance as a guess.

That suggests that Glen Eira is not involved in ongoing discussions.

The school is 100% in favour of the MFC and they are aligned.

I haven't heard what the Trust is saying, but it would have been a yes, or no, a long time ago.

The people at a committee lunch on a race day at the MRC, were told by the MRC Chairman in his welcome speech that the MFC would be their neighbour soon.

Therefore it does seem there is something else stopping progress info and an announcement and perhaps it is in fact the State Government.

Obviously there is ongoing discussion about specifics of the project, but I would imagine the reason we are not getting any info, is because of an embargo on it and the likely responsible party for that, does seem to be the State Government. It could well be a condition of their financial contribution, that they control the narrative.

That does seem the most likely reason we are getting crickets.

If this was not happening, we would have been told by now.

A failure of this project after so many attempts, would have to in some way affect the Board's ability to continue, imo.

It is probably our most important issue, other than on field success, which is probably affected by this issue as well.

I remain in Group 1.

Well you are currently Group 1 Captain.

Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trust chairman Sam Almaliki said once Melbourne “secure funding and are prepared to actually deliver the project”, they would need to enter into a lease agreement with the trust, who manage the precinct.

“Their biggest sticking point isn’t about what is happening with the school or anybody – their biggest sticking point is that they haven’t been able to raise the funding needed to deliver this project,” Almaliki said.

“The trust’s major interest in this project, whether it is Melbourne Football Club or anybody, is to see funding that improves facilities and community access to those facilities, including the two football ovals that would go in – because they would be made available for community use as well as the football club. That’s our interest in this.

Sam made this statement last August, ongoing meetings between Brad and state government continue..

We have 15 mill in the bank. And are confident another 15 could be raised by donations.

Leaving a 70 million black hole for the Government to fill.

It would be a long shot in an election year, in my opinion.

Just food for thought, A country fire truck is worth $840k, we could probably do with eighty of those, so yes gifting 70 million to a minor sporting club is a big deal.

20 minutes ago, bluey said:

Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trust chairman Sam Almaliki said once Melbourne “secure funding and are prepared to actually deliver the project”, they would need to enter into a lease agreement with the trust, who manage the precinct.

“Their biggest sticking point isn’t about what is happening with the school or anybody – their biggest sticking point is that they haven’t been able to raise the funding needed to deliver this project,” Almaliki said.

“The trust’s major interest in this project, whether it is Melbourne Football Club or anybody, is to see funding that improves facilities and community access to those facilities, including the two football ovals that would go in – because they would be made available for community use as well as the football club. That’s our interest in this.

Sam made this statement last August, ongoing meetings between Brad and state government continue..

We have 15 mill in the bank. And are confident another 15 could be raised by donations.

Leaving a 70 million black hole for the Government to fill.

It would be a long shot in an election year, in my opinion.

Just food for thought, A country fire truck is worth $840k, we could probably do with eighty of those, so yes gifting 70 million to a minor sporting club is a big deal.

other clubs got funding from the federal gov as well as the state gov, so not needing 70 from state. also if get an umpiring home training centre the afl might chip in a little.

Watch out......Gosch's is in the firing line for the AO:

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/we-need-more-space-tiley-s-radical-plan-to-expand-the-australian-open-20260201-p5nymj.html

“There’s an oval on the other side of Gosch’s Paddock, AAMI Park, the MCG, these are good pieces of land and property, which we would look at and expand into,” Tiley said.

......maybe they will pay for us to set up home at Caulfield?

Edited 18 hours ago18 hr by george_on_the_outer

1 hour ago, Dannyz said:

Was that comment by MRC Chair made at Caulfield yesterday? If so, that’s as positive a titbit as we’ve had in a long time.

It must be government funding given the secrecy and that we’ve established other stakeholders are on board with the exception of the MRC who wouldn’t be able to stop the project.

Nice update RL. Appreciate it.

No, made late last year.

Nomads forever....(and not the Rebels bikies)

53 minutes ago, bluey said:

Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trust chairman Sam Almaliki said once Melbourne “secure funding and are prepared to actually deliver the project”, they would need to enter into a lease agreement with the trust, who manage the precinct.

“Their biggest sticking point isn’t about what is happening with the school or anybody – their biggest sticking point is that they haven’t been able to raise the funding needed to deliver this project,” Almaliki said.

“The trust’s major interest in this project, whether it is Melbourne Football Club or anybody, is to see funding that improves facilities and community access to those facilities, including the two football ovals that would go in – because they would be made available for community use as well as the football club. That’s our interest in this.

Sam made this statement last August, ongoing meetings between Brad and state government continue..

We have 15 mill in the bank. And are confident another 15 could be raised by donations.

Leaving a 70 million black hole for the Government to fill.

It would be a long shot in an election year, in my opinion.

Just food for thought, A country fire truck is worth $840k, we could probably do with eighty of those, so yes gifting 70 million to a minor sporting club is a big deal.

Don’t we have funds from sale of gambling facilities?

We may have to use that while we chase other sources.

3 minutes ago, Redleg said:

Don’t we have funds from sale of gambling facilities?

We may have to use that while we chase other sources.

Pretty sure that went into the Club's future fund, that according to statements at the recent AGM wouldn't be used for this project.

18 minutes ago, gs77 said:

Pretty sure that went into the Club's future fund, that according to statements at the recent AGM wouldn't be used for this project.

The fund was designed to replace gambling income with a stable income stream, allowing the club to avoid reliance on AFL assistance during financial downturns, and the capital may not be spent.

Tennis Australia want Gosch's paddock for the tennis.

Makes sense... close off that section of Swan Street to vehicles (terminate the trams either side) and suddenly you have a lot more event space.

I feel a deal coming our way !!!!

With more than 1.3 million people through the gates for this year’s Australian Open, Tiley said the event needed more screens, shade, seats and space.

“There’s an oval on the other side of Gosch’s Paddock, AAMI Park, the MCG, these are good pieces of land and property, which we would look at and expand into,” Tiley said.

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/we-need-more-space-tiley-s-radical-plan-to-expand-the-australian-open-20260201-p5nymj.html

51 minutes ago, george_on_the_outer said:

Watch out......Gosch's is in the firing line for the AO:

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/we-need-more-space-tiley-s-radical-plan-to-expand-the-australian-open-20260201-p5nymj.html

“There’s an oval on the other side of Gosch’s Paddock, AAMI Park, the MCG, these are good pieces of land and property, which we would look at and expand into,” Tiley said.

......maybe they will pay for us to set up home at Caulfield?

I would not hold you breath George.

19 hours ago, picket fence said:

MONSTROUS HYBRIDS OF CROSS BRED CONGA EELS AND BAR RUATH DA'S

VERRY VERY DANGEROUS

I used to go Yabbying in the dam on the racecourse when I was a kid. So I thought I go and have a word with the yabbies who have been there longer than the rest of us and have more of an idea what was happening. He said they have been snake free and terribly concerned of an influx of snakes from Casey. They have applied for a declaration of certainty from the MRC, Glen Eira, the schools and state government, that this will remain a snake free environment. They understand it will go ahead and agreed for any aquatic recovery sessions to take place in the ponds.

This source is as good as any other on this topic