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FROM THE BOARD
OTB/Sailing School Update: I understand and share the frustration of our members with the lack of any sign of construction starting on our site. To get a clear picture of the reasons for the delays and cost escalations we need to go back to July 2021.
- In July 2021, the City of Greater Geelong requested design changes, however specific details as to the new design requirements were only confirmed following the appointment of a Design Quality Team (DQT) incorporating the Office of the Victorian Government Architect in October 2021.
- The DQT did not complete its work and provide the final report until late February 2022, resulting in an eight-month project delay.
- In June 2022, Lloyd Group provided a revised tender at 100% design totalling $8,136,400 and resulting in a funding shortfall of $1,452,000.
RGYC estimates that approximately 45% of cost escalation is attributable to design alterations requested by the City of Greater Geelong and the Office of the Victorian Government Architect and 55% to construction labour and material cost escalations over the intervening eight-month period.
Even if the project was fully funded we would still not be in a position to commence construction as we are still awaiting the required documentation from the responsible authorities. This includes a Construction Licence, Letter of Support and Planning Permit from the City of Greater Geelong as well as MACA Consent from DELWP.
I can assure all our members we are doing everything possible to reduce our cost shortfall and get to a fully funded position with our project. We currently have a two-pronged attack to get back on track. Firstly we are in discussions with our architects and the Victorian Government Architects to identify possible cost savings without compromising the functionality of the building. Secondly, last week we had further discussions with Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens MP, who has now elevated our project to the Premier's Office. This Friday we have a meeting scheduled with Member for South Barwon, Darren Cheeseman MP. to investigate any other funding options.
As previously mentioned with the delays we have experienced, we have seen some significant cost escalations in our project. It is now critical that we can get the funding finalised ASAP to avoid further cost rises, as is being experienced across the whole building industry.
Some members have asked as to why we have demolished the OTB Building at this stage of the project. The Board took the decision to demolish the OTB Building in March 2022. The overall project cost at the time of the demolition was costed at $21.1m with funding also at $21.1m.
The demolition of the building also constituted the commencement of construction which met an impending final payment milestone deadline of funding for one of our funding partners.
2022 AGM: Our AGM will be held on Thursday 25th August 2022 at 6.30 pm. At its meeting on Monday 25th July 2022, the Board resolved the following: Voting on Special Resolutions will be either through absentee voting or by attending the AGM in person or via Zoom. Voting for the Board Elections, as previously advised to members, will be either through Absentee Voting or via attending the club over the two days prior to the AGM, being Tuesday 23 August 2022 and Wednesday 24 August 2022: 8.30 am to 6.00 pm each day.
To view the voting procedures, click HERE.
As we require 10% of financial members eligible to vote at the AGM to have a quorum, I encourage all our members who are able to attend the meeting in person or via Zoom to please do so.
Board Elections: Nominations for the Board close on 4th August 2022, so if you intend to stand please get your nomination forms to the RGYC office. All our Flag positions and three Ordinary Board Member positions are up for election.
Membership Category Changes: As previously stated, the proposed rule changes in the Special Resolutions will be presented to the Members at the AGM on Thursday 25th August 2022. We encourage our members to review and fully understand these proposed changes that are designed to make our club more engaging and inclusive for ALL our members.
To view the Board Proposed Special Resolutions, click HERE.
PAST & UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday Member’s Night: Last night we had Tony Bull’s workshop on improving your racing. A great talk on some of the finer points of preparing your boat, your crew, training and sail trim. You can view the recording on our Facebook page. The Member's Draw didn't go off so will jackpot to two bottles of wine next Wednesday.
Friday Night Members Draw: The Member's Draw has jackpotted to $100 and we will have 2 slabs of Carlton Draught to be won. Harry’s Foundation Meat Raffle is on as usual with Club Captain Phil Francis as our Officer of the Day. It's great to see that the revised menu at The Yot is well received with the addition of steaks, soup and other tasty options, so why not come on down and enjoy a meal.
RGYC Sailing: The Davidson’s and OTB Winter Series are on again this Saturday for all fleets. As the previous race was abandoned, I am sure we are all keen to get back on the water. Following Saturday's racing, Lulu Di Sciascio will be running a fundraiser for her school charity program that she is participating in, called Lorne 160. I ask all our members to support Lulu's worthy charity by buying a snag or two.
Our Club Captain Phil Francis has been reviewing the situation with our Course Marks and I am pleased to announce that the Board resolved this week to replace all our marks and tackle. The new marks will be installed ASAP.
The Yot Cafe Update: We have been advised by Craig and Andrea that they will be finishing up as operators of The YOT. It will be sad to see them go after two years at the club. It has not been an easy ride for them, having started up The YOT just as the Covid pandemic hit. We wish them both well in their future endeavours.
The Board has resolved to bring The YOT operations in-house and we are fortunate to have both Nigel and Rob on our staff, both with extensive hospitality experience. We are currently developing a Business Plan and looking at operational factors ready for a smooth transition and handover on August 17th.
My Thought of the Week: “It doesn’t matter how slow you go, as long as you never stop” - Confucius
Stay Safe and Let’s Go Sailing
Stuart Dickson
RGYC Commodore
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