Central Coast Labor MPs are supportive of moves to help ensure the Central Coast Mariners Football Club has a long-term future in the region.
Negotiations are underway to secure a long-term owner for the Mariners following recent events that have put the club's viability at risk.
Member for Wyong David Harris, Member for The Entrance David Mehan and Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch support the Australian Professional League (APL) negotiating an outcome to secure a new owner as soon as possible to give certainty to players, staff, fans and the broader Central Coast community.
As a minimum, fans need a guarantee that the Mariners' licence will remain on the Central Coast and that the club's name and colours are protected, the local members said.
They ask that any new owners consider an ownership structure which could include elements of a fan-based partnership model to help address financial and governance challenges and continue to grow the club's supporter base.
It is also imperative that any new ownership structure retains the Mariners Women's team.
The Mariners breakthrough win of the 2024/25 A-League Women's championship was testament of the popularity and growth of women's football on the Coast, which needs to be harnessed and fostered.
It is also important the club's youth academies are retained to continue to enable pathways for talented local youngsters into professional football and help continue the club's growth.
The MPs acknowledge that fellow A League clubs the Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory have both been bought by new owners in recent years in moves that have strengthened their clubs.
Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong, David Harris said:
"The Central Coast Mariners is a crucial and well-loved part of the Coast's sporting fabric and any decision made about its ownership should consider the best interests of the stakeholders, supporters and the community.
"I join my fellow Coast MPs in hoping new owners are secured as soon as possible to give everyone the certainty that is needed to secure the club's future on the Coast."
Member for The Entrance, David Mehan said:
"My community wants to see the Mariners remain a Central Coast team participating in both the women and men's football leagues with greater involvement of its fans in the future of our club."
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch said:
"I'm right there with all the other fans and Coasties getting behind our great Mariners teams.
"Let's push forward and kick a successful and speedy negotiation into the back of the net to secure the future of our beloved club at their home here on the Coast."
