CASEY Council must hand over a $500,000 parcel of land in a decade - by which time its current value is likely to have soared - under a proposal to lure the Melbourne Football Club to Casey Fields.
The draft agreement was outlined to councillors at a confidential briefing last Tuesday. The 30-minute presentation, headed by chief executive Mike Tyler, was shown on a screen and councillors' requests for handouts to study at home were refused.
Due to reasons of confidentiality, Cr Kevin Bradford said he could not disclose the actual content of the meeting.
"But I can say the briefing was nothing more than smoke and mirrors with fancy figures in a well-rehearsed sales pitch by the CEO to back up his push for Melbourne to come out to Casey,'' Cr Bradford said.
The Journal understands the draft provides for:
The title to land, or land and an existing building, worth up to $500,000 at current market rates to be transferred to the MFC in a decade. In the meantime, the club would lease the land and hold full development rights.
Casey Council to be entitled to a table of 10 seats at the MFC's president's lunch for five home games.
MFC players' summer training to be held at Casey for only 12months rather than the two years originally envisaged.
MFC players to have free access to the Cranbourne Aquatic and Leisure centre.
The AFL club to have priority to temporarily use other grounds, possibly at the expense of local sporting clubs, if Casey Field's No.1 oval is overused.
MFC's general manager of football, Chris Connolly, to become a City of Casey ambassador.