Horsham Rural City Council decided last month to endorse a site in the city’s McBryde Street for the new stadium.

In a report to council on Monday, technical services director John Martin said the project control group was now looking at a business case and funding strategy for the project. 

“Progress on the business case for the new stadium has not advanced to the extent expected, so a comprehensive report on this is not yet available,” he said.

“Initial cost estimates for use of the stadium for various sports have been prepared, but they had not been fully reviewed by the group.

“Feedback from group members on the costs, and the affordability of the new stadium, is required before it can be ascertained if the cost structure is viable.”

Mr Martin said the group had hoped to put in a funding application before August 16 for the state government’s Better Indoor Stadiums fund

“It will now not be possible to meet this time frame,” he said.

“A funding strategy will now be developed, looking at the possibility of funding under the federal government’s Building Better Regions fund and any future state government funding opportunities.”

The concept plans for the McBryde Street site were released to the community last month.

Mr Martin said the project control group received 19 comments about the project.

“Fifteen expressed support either for the location or the process in determining the site,” he said.

“Two people raised issues relating to McBryde Street traffic and two people expressed a preference for a west site.”

Council will need to decide whether to proceed with a funding application.

Council will also be responsible to awarding tenders for construction in the future.