The new Strathfieldsaye Football-Netball Club has chosen to pursue the path of joining the BFL next year, rather than seeking to enter the Heathcote District Football League.

But as part of its discussions with the league, the new club will have to show it has a model in place that will ensure it has a long-term future in the major-league competition.

"We’ve been having discussions with Strathfieldsaye for a little while now to make sure they get all the right things off the field in place, so that for their own benefit, they are sustainable and have the right plans and infrastructure in place," BFL chief executive officer Steven Oliver said yesterday.

"So they are the sort of things the league will be looking at, but also how it will impact on the rest of the competition as far as where Strathfieldsaye will get their players from, as that won’t just impact on the BFL, it will impact everywhere in the district.

"We’re looking at longevity and for things like a business plan where they are looking further down the track than 2009 and that they have a direction on where they want to head, what they want to achieve and how they’re going to achieve it.

"We will also be looking at their facilities and when they’re going to be up to scratch by, do they have a financial model in place that will see them sustainable, can they cover their running costs, right down to do they have a tribunal advocate?

"So basically, everything we can assist them with in making sure all the information is there for them is the next step we will go down.

"From now, I would suggest we would continue to meet with Strathfieldsaye on a fairly regular basis."

Oliver said the BFL board would take into account the position of its clubs when it comes to making a decision on Strathfieldsaye’s application.

"The board is answerable to the clubs, but it’s also charged with the running of the league.

"Now that Strathfieldsaye has given a direction, we will certainly bring that up at the next club meeting and gauge their responses, be it good, bad or otherwise."

Work on the new sporting facility at which the club will be based is progressing, with a formal opening expected to be held sometime in September.

City of Greater Bendigo director of community wellbeing Barry Secombe said no timeframe had been established yet for the installation of the ground’s lighting.

"We haven’t got a timeframe around that, but the council will adopt its (2008-09) budget next week and it (lighting) is in the budget," Secombe said.

"There’s a total allocation of $250,000, which is relying on contributions from the community and state government grants."