Both clubs have been talking with their members about the possible amalgamation over the past 12 months and looking at ways of securing grants to facilitate the process.

Harden Shire Council economic development officer Karen Kemp has been talking with the State Government about possible funding to assist with any amalgamation.

Both Tony Madden, president of the Harden Bowling Club, and Mark Douglas, president of Harden Country Club, said the amalgamation talks had been brought about by a number of factors.

These factors included things such as changing demographics, the increasing cost of doing business, declining memberships and ageing infrastructure.

These were the challenges, they said, that had to be met for a sustainable and viable future.

If the amalgamation went ahead one of the ultimate aims would be to establish a gymnasium to cater for all sporting groups in town.

The clubs will be holding a meeting with their sporting bodies on March 5 to discuss the issue and this will be followed by a public meeting at a later date.