Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have today launched one of their most important public campaigns in their proud history – the ‘FIGHT FOR FORTRESS BROOKIE’.

And we need your help in the fight against Warringah Council and their outrageous hiring fees for the Club’s spiritual home of Brookvale Oval.

The Sea Eagles are calling on our passionate Members and supporters, sponsors, local businesses, community groups, residents and general sports fans to contact Warringah Council in protest.

HOW TO FIGHT FOR FORTRESS BROOKIE

Complete Warringah Council’s online submission and pledge your support for the Sea Eagles proposal.

ONLINE Have your say – support your Sea Eagles

Click here http://bit.ly/1TZ9So8

Submissions close 4 February 2016 at 5pm.

Sea Eagles Captain Jamie Lyon says the battle over Brookvale Oval with Warringah Council is one the Club must win.

“I’ve been privileged to see the positive effects the Sea Eagles have had on the local community, both in terms of playing and what the Club means to people,’’ Lyon said.

“I am very surprised that Warringah Council is not supporting the Sea Eagles. Most other local Councils would jump at the opportunity to have an NRL team in their backyard, especially one as successful and well known as the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.

“We need everyone’s support on this campaign. We need everyone to take 5 minutes to have their say with Warringah Council. Together, we can make a difference.”

Here are some key facts you should know:

· Warringah Council has demanded that the Sea Eagles commit to a one year agreement under the same terms as last season, terms that were already deemed exorbitant by the Club.

· Council recently drafted a casual hiring arrangement that would come into effect if the Sea Eagles refuse to agree to the aforementioned one year agreement. This would balloon the Brookvale Oval hire fee to between $50,000 and $60,000 per game. This applies to NRL teams only and it’s evident that it was specifically written for Manly, with CEO Joe Kelly deeming it discriminatory to the Sea Eagles and rugby league.

· Other professional sporting teams are charged less than $1,000 to hire the same venue.

· It should be noted that there is no current dispute over payment of monies owed for the 2015 season. Council and the Sea Eagles have reached an agreement over payment terms.

· The Sea Eagles had put forward an alternative proposal to Council that is significantly beyond current rates paid by other NRL teams for superior suburban grounds. The Club offered to take on the management and cost of the Brookvale Oval playing surface and surrounding grass hills for 365 days per year, as well as all match day specific utilities and waste removal. Council immediately rejected the proposal and have shown no appetite for negotiation.

· Council had refused to discuss terms for the 2016 season despite Manly’s requests going back as early as May 2015. Council tabled terms on 4 January, eight weeks prior to the kick off of the 2016 season, effectively holding a gun to the Sea Eagles’ head.

· It’s become evident that Warringah Council want the Sea Eagles out of Brookvale Oval, but the Club refuse to walk away. Warringah Council have attempted to force the Club into a process where there is no ability to negotiate.