NORTH Albury Sports Club could yet dodge a bullet and remain open.
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Administrator Chris Chamberlain will table a plan to keep open the doors of the financially embattled club to a secondary creditors meeting on Thursday.
A central part of the rescue package is a repayment deal whereby the club agreed to pay up to $160,000 into a fund over the next 2½ years.
Mr Chamberlain is also negotiating with Albury Council to purchase car parks at the club.
The total amount of member pledges remains under $100,000, but the administrator has provided the club with a glimmer of hope it can be saved.
“It is still critical we continue to get members’ support,” he said.
“The more we can get the less angst the club is going to be placed under in respect of making these contributions.
“We accept it is not 100 cents, which you would like to do, but the reality says this can’t be achieved.”
Mr Chamberlain re-affirmed support of the Australian Taxation Office and National Australia Bank remained crucial.
He said the second creditors’ meeting was D-Day for the club after the initial revelation it had debts of close to $900,000 including $500,000 to unsecured creditors.
“They will make their decision on the day,” he said.
“From the club’s perspective, with all due respect, history hasn’t been on its side in dealings with the tax office.
“But there are benefits of keeping the club open.”
The club’s 2012 annual report revealed it was negotiating with the tax office about a breach of payment arrangements.
About a year ago, the sports club agreed to approach Albury Council with a sale-and-lease back proposal for car parking, but no formal talks took place.
Members voted to make the car park a “non-core” asset which cleared the way for its sell-off.
Mr Chamberlain said he didn’t expect a late surge of pledges before Thursday.
“Club members are aware of what we are trying to achieve,” he said.
“We don’t expect the figure to spike much more.
“It will be the last roll of the dice if we can get this proposal in place and bank support.
“But if the club hiccups again that will be it.”
North Albury Football-Netball Club has signalled its intention to break away from the parent body.