With a new bridge over Burrill Lake likely to be built within two years, Ulladulla-Milton Lions Club members are seeking a new den.
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The club’s meeting room on the Princes Highway at Burrill Lake will be bulldozed to make way for the new bridge.
Lions have their sights set on a new den at Mollymook, with plans to incorporate an office and storage facilities in the proposed new clubhouse at Bill Andriske Oval.
Club president Brian Thompson said members were considering a number of locations, but the move to Mollymook Oval would be ideal.
Past president Greg Best agreed the location would be safe, secure and accessible for members and would also offer storage for the club’s catering van, merry-go-round and other equipment.
“We would have a small office and could share the community meeting room for our meetings, training and functions,” Mr Best said.
“It definitely looks like a good proposition for us.”
The Lions Club has been leasing the den from NSW Roads and Maritime Services since 1997 and was notified about six years ago that a move would be imminent.
While the current location offers storage and training space, the small venue meant the club’s 63 members had to hold meetings elsewhere.
The current den also has limited undercover storage space and the food van and merry-go-round require regular maintenance because they are left out in the weather.
A $1 million clubhouse with disabled access at Mollymok for use by footballer and school and community groups has been in the wind since Milton-Ulladulla Rugby League Club’s development application was approved by Shoalhaven City Council three years ago.
Bill Andriske Oval management committee secretary Tony Hardman said the Lions involvement in the project could help secure the funding needed to get the project off the ground.
While it has been given the green light, council has not allocated funding and grant applications have been unsuccessful.
With the high profile Lions Club on board, Mr Hardman hopes council will reconsider coming up with the funds.
He said the building was designed with the community and school groups in mind, with office space and meetings rooms available.
“We approached about 10 small committees in town who are all interested in using the facility to hold their meetings,” Mr Hardman said.
“The Lions Club could have their own space and also share the larger meeting room.
“We’re also looking at possibly retaining the old clubhouse for use by the Lions.
“This could be a win-win for Lions and rugby league.”
Mr Best said the Burrill Lake den would eventually go, but the nearby Lions Park would not be affected by the bridge proposed for the eastern side of the highway causeway.
“The RMS is looking at the access to the park, but the facilities, including the toilet block, will not be affected,” he added.