By Charlene Macaulay
Wyndham is one step closer to being the home of one of two new A-League soccer teams after a council-backed bid has made the shortlist.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) last week announced that the Western Melbourne Group’s bid to set up a club in Tarneit as part of an expansion of the A-League was one of six remaining bids on the table.
A decision is expected following the next meeting of the FFA board, which will be held after its annual general meeting in November.
Wyndham council has worked with the Western Melbourne Group on the bid, which also has the support of the Brimbank, Maribyrnong and Melton councils.
If successful, a multi-million dollar 15,000-seat stadium – dubbed Wyndham Stadium – will be built on Wyndham-council owned land at 1160 Sayers Road, to host the new team.
FFA chief executive David Gallop said an expansion of the A-League was an important step forward for the future of the sport.
“We have six bids that have positive aspects but require further work,” Mr Gallop said.
“We need to continue our consultation with those bid teams to ensure that they adequately address these areas to ensure their future sustainability, which includes securing stadia, catchment area and financial capital.”
Wyndham council mayor Peter Maynard welcomed last week’s announcement.
“This is great news. It reflects the strength of Western Melbourne Group’s bid and the benefits of basing an A-League team in one of Australia’s fastest growing regions,” Cr Maynard said.
“The deal behind this stadium is unique in that WMG and WCC have entered into a public-private partnership that will see a purpose-built 15,000 seat stadium and associated sporting facilities delivered via a genuine value capture, rather than relying on state or federal government funding.
“We believe this sets the submission apart.”
