Bowlers to drive a hard bargain

Kim Waters
Drysdale Bowling Club could drive a hard bargain against plans for a supermarket on its site, according to the town’s community association.
Drysdale Clifton Springs Community Association secretary Doug Carson said his organisation was given “the wrong information” about the club’s finances during initial discussions about relocating the club.
“We were of the opinion they weren’t well off and would consider moving but further information is that they are well off and wouldn’t want to move,” Mr Carson said.
“I think they would want a fairly good deal before they’d consider relocating.”
Bowls club secretary Jerry Nelson refused to comment on the relocation proposal.
He said members would have a meeting before announcing a decision.
“I think it’s all up in the air because we have to see what our members would like to do,” he said.
“We’ll have a meeting about it once there is more concrete information.”
City of Greater Geelong’s new Drysdale-Clifton Springs structure plan proposes moving the bowls club to make way for a supermarket.
Ward councillor Tom O’Connor said authorities would not force the club to move.
However, he refused to identify the supermarket chain interested in the location.
“They (the club) are not being forced to move but this is a very good and cheap way for them to upgrade,” Cr O’Connor said.
“The people interested in the site are very keen to fund the move but if they chose to stay then there isn’t anything anyone can do.”
In October, the Independent revealed budget supermarket chain ALDI wanted to build a store at Drysdale.
ALDI Victorian managing director Tom Daunt said the company was “actively” looking for suitable sites since 2001 but council planning laws were delaying progress.
The structure plan also addressed parking, public transport and traffic issues around the neighbouring towns.
Mr Carson said the structure plan seemed “very solid”.
“There’s going to be a lot of work done by a lot of people and our concern is that the council must commit to the recommendations made by consultants,” he said.
“In the past that hasn’t always happened but if the commitment is there I think it’s a very feasible long-term plan.”