The meeting brought together key stakeholders for the Mariners’ future including Mayor Lisa Matthews, Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp, Council CEO Gary Murphy, Federal and State Members of Parliament including Emma McBride MP Member for Dobell, David Mehan MP Member for The Entrance, Taylor Martin MLC, Members of the business community – Paula Martin, Business NSW Regional Director, Rod Dever, Gosford/Erina & Coastal Chamber of Commerce President, as well as representatives from the Mariners Supporters Group.
Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council will be working with the Mariners on a potential five-year agreement.
“Council values the contribution the Mariners make to the Central Coast, and we are keen to work with the Mariners Club on potential solutions to ensure the club remains and thrives in our region,” Mayor Matthews said.
“At today’s meeting, we expressed our commitment to working on what a potential five-year agreement between Council and the Mariners might look like.
“Council will also reach out to Regional Development Australia and Destination NSW to see if any agreements can be created to support the Mariners and to help secure their future on the Coast.
“We will also be contacting the State Government to explore the possibility of providing free public transport for spectators to attend games so our community can really get behind the Mariners as well.”
Central Coast Mariners Chief Executive Officer, Shaun Mielekamp said today’s meeting was the first opportunity to bring all stakeholders together and talk seriously about the future of the Mariners on the Central Coast at such a crucial time.
“I am confident that this the start of meaningful collaboration and tangible outcomes, as all parties at the meeting vowed to find a way to make a difference and contribute. The aim was to find enabling actions and immediate quick wins that will secure the Mariners’ venue hire agreement at Central Coast Stadium for another 5-10 years and seek a solution to creating a single venue home base for the CCM Academy and its 430 youth,” Mr Mielekamp said.
“There will need to be further meetings to come as unfortunately not all the State and Federal MPs were able to make the call as their involvement is imperative to achieve these outcomes.
“The most empowering part of today’s meeting was the opportunity to hear directly from the Football community. With representatives from Central Coast Football, CCM Official
Supporters Club and the newly forming CCM Supporters Trust it was a great opportunity to express to all parties the magnitude of Football on the Coast, a sport that represents over 15,000 participants and contributes over $25m to the Central Coast Economy.”
Council Director Boris Bolgoff said Council had invested over $6M in the home ground for the Mariners – Central Coast Stadium – over the last three years.
“Council is committed to the continued economic development of our region and we want the Mariners to be an important part of our future,” Mr Bolgoff said.
“The Stadium is a flagship venue for the Coast and Council is taking steps to ensure we maximise the benefits it can bring to our community.
“We recently placed a Draft Central Coast Stadium Strategy on public exhibition and will take on board community feedback as we move forward with steps to ensure a bright future for the stadium."
Council will continue to work closely with Mariners in the coming weeks, including being involved in an stakeholder action group that will include members of the Central Coast business community.
