THE boards of Hurstville RSL and South Hurstville RSL clubs have agreed in principle to amalgamate and will take the proposal to the membership of both clubs early next month.
Hurstville RSL chairman Bruce Worsley said the club had faced financial difficulties and was forced to look at a range of options.
"We have had presentations from developers but decided that in the interests of members, a merger with a like-minded club was the way to move forward," he said.
"Recent press reports of another developer offering a once-in-a-lifetime proposal to our clubs should be seen for what it is.
"Our club is for the community; most of our members are fully aware of what can happen when developers gain control of a club's assets."
Amalgamation would mean the Hurstville RSL's assets, club site and land would be transferred to South Hurstville RSL Club.
South Hurstville RSL would also take over the liabilities of Hurstville RSL Club at the time of transfer.
Hurtsville RSL Club will be dissolved and all members asked to join South Hurst-ville RSL.
But member Mikall Chong has formed the Friends of Hurstville RSL Committee and wants the club board to put up an alternative proposal to amalgamation which would involve a joint development of the club's premises with a major developer.
"The committee disagrees with the board's decision; it supports the development proposal being further considered by the board and then put to the members to vote.
"We are against our club being dissolved. We want to maintain the identity of Hurstville RSL.
"With a merger we would see the complete loss of . . . the club."
Mr Chong is starting a petition to get the second option of a joint redevelopment put to the general meeting.
But South Hurstville RSL president John Busuttil said the "real issue" was if the community wanted the RSL tradition to remain strong.
"[If you do] then you cannot allow the assets of clubs to be put into the hands of developers," he said.
"Clubs and their members must be in control."
Under the resolution to be put to members, South Hurstville would "maintain, renovate, upgrade and improve" Hurstville RSL for at least three years after amalgamation and carry on the business of the licensed club.
"We will continue to run the club and will look at ways to return it to profitability," said South Hurstville RSL Club general manager Simon Mikkelsen.
"Obviously, we will explore options to maximise the potential of the site further down the track.
"We will look at projects that enhance the community, not the pockets of developers.
"The important thing to remember is that Hurstville RSL has a proud record in our community and no one will win if it fades away."
South Hurstville RSL will hold a general meeting on August 2 and Hurstville RSL on August 10.
Do you think the clubs should merge? If not, what would you like to see happen?