Pressure on for decision on ME Bank oval

[travelling_gerry]

Pressure on for decision on ME Bank oval

PETER KERR, The West Australian May 10, 2010, 2:25 am

Getty Images / Paul Kane ©




The State Government is under increasing pressure to resolve protracted negotiations with the Town of Vincent over a new rectangular sports stadium in East Perth.
It follows revelations that Rugby WA faces a $1 million-plus financial black hole for temporary upgrades it made at the existing ME Bank oval.
Rugby WA chief Vern Reid confirmed yesterday that an initial $2 million interest-free loan from the Government was not enough to cover the cost of temporary improvements at the ageing facility, such as seating and better lighting, which ended up costing more than $3 million.
Mr Reid would not say whether Rugby WA would seek more money from the State but was confident the redevelopment was on track, a move it has said in the past was "essential" for the sport's financial viability.
"The Government has been very supportive and we are confident the redevelopment will proceed," he said.
A spokesman for Sports Minister Terry Waldron said no formal approach had been made to the Government for extra funds. When asked whether the Government would stump up more money the spokesman said "no comment".
However, it is understood that when approving the initial $2 million loan, the Government asked Rugby WA whether it would be enough.
Mr Waldron has promised to deliver plans by July for a 25,000-seat soccer and rugby arena to replace the old venue, but negotiations are stuck over how much the Government pays for leasing the Town's land and who should own the finished venue.
On top of that, Mayor Nick Catania continues to push for the Town to build the stadium, using money provided by the Government.
He argues it has plans in place for a $75 million stadium, which could be started by the end of the year, and would be cheaper than the $160 million budget the Government is understood to be working on.
The Government disputes that it could be built for as little as $75 million and that handing control of the facility to the Town would burden it with financial risk it could not handle. It argues that given taxpayers will be providing the money, the Government should own the venue.
The spokesman said negotiations were "ongoing".

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-...-me-bank-oval/

[shasta]

It follows revelations that Rugby WA faces a $1 million-plus financial black hole for temporary upgrades it made at the existing ME Bank oval.

I wonder whether that $1m (or the entire $3m) is in isolation from the rest of the operating budget for this season. It was not that long ago Rugby WA was forecasting a $500,000 operating surplus. The only Aus franchise to be in the black for 2010 IIRC.

[WF2006]

Bloody hell....another example of the failures in THREE levels of government in this country.

[GIGS20]

I bet negotiations will continue until at least the delivery of the budget, which will handily stall this project for YET ANOTHER year!

[shasta]

Just what I needed. This morning I received this month's "Travel Insider" e-letter from Qantas. It's titled "Sporting Cities" and has a series of reports about tourist destinations around the globe that also boast state of the art sports facilities. Strangely, Perth is not on the list.

[jargan83]

There is nothing strange about that Shasta
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[normie]

Indeed, it would be strange if Perth was on the list....

[travelling_gerry]

Even when its a rectangle they still want to call it an oval.

[shasta]

Even when its a rectangle they still want to call it an oval.

I saw that.

Indeed, it would be strange if Perth was on the list....

There is nothing strange about that Shasta

Shoulda used........

Posted via Mobile Device

you having a sickie?

[Burgs]

Probably should read "ME Bank Oval" rather than "ME Bank oval", it is actually part of the name, the place isn't a bank

[jargan83]

you having a sickie?

Flexi day

[AndyS]

"Mr Waldron has promised to deliver plans by July for a 25,000-seat soccer and rugby arena to replace the old venue,..."

I hope so, as the corresponding story on the ABC news just said July next year - let's hope they misspoke or misunderstood!

[normie]

[QUOTE=shasta;257266]I saw that.




Shoulda used........



QUOTE]

No need shasta, I picked up the '' vibe, it was pretty strong too....

[hertryk]

I wonder whether that $1m (or the entire $3m) is in isolation from the rest of the operating budget for this season. It was not that long ago Rugby WA was forecasting a $500,000 operating surplus. The only Aus franchise to be in the black for 2010 IIRC.

Aree we still in the "Black"?