The Cronulla Sharks were hailing the Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) approval of their $300 million land development application as having the potential to make the club an NRL powerhouse.
In a major boost to the Sharks the development is set to deliver a windfall that ensures the financial health of the club well into the future.
Sharks Chairman Damian Irvine, who with development partners Bluestone Capital Ventures No 1 Pty Ltd has worked tirelessly to finally see the project pass through all the government planning and assessment stages to arrive at this PAC approval, was understandably thrilled with the final result.
This announcement means so much on so many levels but importantly allows the Sharks to get back to what we do best, Mr Irvine said. We will be able to focus on elite sporting and sponsorship programs that could benefit all sporting codes within the Shire.
The financial security this project provides the club with is something we have been striving to achieve for over four decades. The Cronulla Sharks can finally operate on a platform of diverse and secure income and with a confidence in our future viability that has always been a struggle to obtain in the past, Mr Irvine added.
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan, who has his team heading into the NRL finals in 2012, couldnt help but to also be optimistic and enthusiastic about the future prospects from a football and sporting perspective.
Ive often said our players dont go without here at the Sharks but this new development and everything that goes along with it will let us do what we do even better in the future, Flanagan said. While the financial benefits will obviously help, it is the potential for us to become the sporting hub of the Sutherland Shire that has me most excited, not only in terms of rugby league but also for the many different sporting groups in the local area.
Similarly, Sharks and NSW Captain Paul Gallen, a passionate speaker at the PAC forum in support of the project just a few weeks ago, was equally positive about what this announcement and subsequent development will do for the club and also for local area residents and their families.
As a local resident I see the retail development providing an excellent facility for myself, my wife and kids, but as a loyal one-club player I am excited about what this might mean to not just the current team here at the Sharks but to future generations of footballers and sports people of the Sutherland Shire, Gallen said.
While the decision may initially be seen as saving the Sharks NRL club from financial difficulties and at the same time ensuring their future viability, the development has the potential to benefit the local region in so many other areas.
From affordable housing, to a new retail precinct, employment opportunities, increased medical facilities, a refurbished Sharkies Leagues Club and increased tourism to the region, the land development is certain to deliver a positive outcome in a whole range of areas aside from guaranteeing the financial sustainability of the NRL team.
