Opposition lashes out at stadium indecisiveness
Opposition lashes out at stadium indecisiveness
- Joseph Sapienza
- October 24, 2008 - 3:58PM
The State Opposition has lashed out at the Government over its continued indecisiveness on the stadium issue following Premier Colin Barnett's meeting with AFL chief executive officer Andrew Demetriou today.
The Premier could not confirm whether - and when - an entirely new stadium would be built on Kitchener Park in Subiaco or if a staged redevelopment of Subiaco Oval would take place.
The AFL says it will work with the Government no matter what decision it makes on the contentious project, although it is believed the League favours a new stadium being built from scratch.
The Opposition's spokesman for Sport, Ken Travers, says it is important WA gets a new stadium rather than a redevelopment of Subiaco Oval.
"I'm concerned the Premier may be softening us up to walk away from the stadium (proposal)," Mr Travers told WA Today.
He said a new stadium would not be suitable for just AFL, but also for rectangular sports like soccer and rugby with its proposed retractable seating.
"The new stadium is the cheaper option for the State (as well)," he said. "With a redevelopment, it's throwing good money after bad."
He also asked the Premier to read the Langoulant Task Force report on Perth's need for a new sports stadium.
"The Premier needs to read the report, which says the cheapest and best option long term for the State is to build a new stadium for all sports. They need to get on with it," he said.
"It is outrageous the Premier didn't read it. Before making comment, he should do his homework.
"There was clearly bi-partisan support for (the stadium) before the election, and there was never any indication by the Liberals that they would not be supporting a new stadium.
"The Premier needs to honour that commitment."
http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/op...1024-5850.html
