A local resident is calling on Wyndham council to release a detailed report of expenditure relating to Western United.
Western United was stripped of its A-Leagues licence on August 8 and is appealing the decision.
In the aftermath, Wyndham’s corporate services director Mark Rossiter said the land earmarked for the Wyndham Stadium Precinct was completely council owned and protected by a series of contracts.
The Wyndham Stadium Precinct is a public-private partnership between council, the Western Melbourne Group and several investors.
Last week, Wyndham resident Sean Row called for council to release a report outlining its expenditure relating to United as a sign of good faith.
“I think it would give some assurance that the ratepayers have actually got something for the rates that they pay aside from a stadium that is not actually going to be used that much now,” Mr Row said.
“By releasing a document outlining what they have spent on Western United – even if they do lose their licence – and it shows they haven’t really lost much, then everything would be fine.”
Mr Row said he believes many members of the community perceive council as not being transparent with its financial decisions.
“I think the current community perception is, for better or worse, council is in a phase where they are cutting funding where they can with as little community consultation as possible,” he said.
“[Council was] a back of shirt sponsor, so [it] needs to tell the community what has actually happened.
“Based on the current climate, I think it would give the assurance that the financial decisions are sound.”
Mr Rossiter said despite the future of Western United being in limbo, council still thinks the precinct will be a net positive for the community.
“We continue to believe this is a unique initiative that has the potential to unlock an extraordinary level of public value, and we remain committed to realising this vision,” he said.
He said council will take time to assess its partnership with the Western Melbourne Group.
Council did not respond to the request for a document outlining its expenditure on the club.
