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TAREE City Rugby League Club president Mal Dixon hopes that if all goes to plan there'll be a grandstand at the Jack Neal Oval in five years time.
The first step is expected to be taken within days when the football club and the ground's owners, Taree Leagues and Sports Club, sign a lease enabling the Bulls to take over the complex. This will end a long running saga.
"Our solicitor is currently drawing up a lease and we're hoping to have it signed very soon,'' Mr Dixon said.
Mr Dixon first approached the leagues club board in January 2013 regarding a leasing arrangement.
He admits this has at times been a frustrating process, but added relations between the football club and leagues club have always been amicable and positive.
"It's just that when solicitors get involved things can get complicated,'' Mr Dixon said.
Initially the club sought a lease for 40 years but this was deemed illegal.
The compromise is for the lease to be in five year lots.
Both parties have agreed.
"There was a bit of to and fro between the leagues club and us and a couple of other things we had to get sorted out,'' Mr Dixon said.
"But we've managed to work through them.''
The club has already gained a $100,000 State government grant to upgrade facilities at the ground. Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead officially switched on a new lighting system at the ground last weekend during the pre-season/representative program. Other improvements include internal fencing and an electronic scoreboard.
Saturday was the first time a night game has been played at the ground in more than a decade.
However, a grandstand has always been the long-term aim for the football club.
"Neil Ryan, a local architect, drew up a plan for a grandstand for us free of charge, which was a great help,'' Mr Dixon said.
The plan incorporates the current buildings with provision for new dressing rooms, canteen, toilets and seating for 600.
However, the club has to lodge a development application (DA) with Greater Taree City Council for the stand before there can be any application for State government funding.
"Once we get the lease signed we'll be meeting with council and MidCoast Water to see if they'll waive some of their fees to cut down our costs,'' Mr Dixon explained.
Once the DA is lodged the club will seek funding.
"Stephen Bromhead is keen for this to go ahead - he's been brilliant so far, he worked hard to get us the money for the upgrade we've just completed,'' Mr Dixon said.
"I'd like to think we can achieve all this in five years. That's what we'll be aiming for.''
mick.mcdonald@fairfaxmedia.com.au