THE Muddy Creek Boating and Amateur Fishing Association has called for the Fishos Club site at Kyeemagh to be "given back to the community".
This follows the state government's rejection of an unsolicited proposal for the billion-dollar Cooks Cove project.
As part of that proposal, the land Rockdale Council leased to Brighton-Le-Sands Fisherman's Club, which closed in 2012, would have been included in the development area.
A council spokesman said that following the government's decision the council was "reviewing its options".
The Muddy Creek Boating and Amateur Fishing Association, which was formed by former members of the Fishos Club, welcomed the government's action.
Secretary Bob Young, a member of the former and present clubs for 45 years, said the site should be retained for its original purpose, which was a regional fishing club for the community.
"It shouldn't be handed over to big developers," he said.
Mr Young said Rockdale Council gave them temporary use of part of the building. "We have an occupational permit, which is up for renewal in March next year," he said.
"We know they would like to get rid of us, but we are not going away.
"The club is going from strength to strength. We have close to 300 financial members, 142 trailer boats and 48 moored boats in the creek.
"Our fees are attractive, we have [24-hour]-access facilities and good trailer parking."
MURKY PAST
The Bestic Street club closed in February 2012 after loan payments were not met, amid claims of financial misappropriation.
Rockdale Council seized control of the site, claiming the lender could not guarantee back and ongoing rental payments.
Last year, after spending eight months and $19,000 calling for tenders from parties wishing to use the site, the council rejected every application.
The council subsequently supported the proposal to include the site in the Cooks Cove development area.
What should happen to the ‘‘Fishos Club’’ site?
