New group to plan Perth stadium

A new steering committee has been formed to manage the state government's $1.1 billion multi-purpose stadium project.

To be jointly chaired by Department of Sport and Recreation director general Ron Alexander and Office of Strategic Projects head Richard Mann, the 10-member committee includes several other high profile public servants, such as Under-treasurer Tim Marney and Department of Planning and Infrastructure director general, Eric Lumsden.

East Perth Redevelopment Authority chief Tony Morgan, Public Transport Authority CEO Reece Waldock, State Solicitor Tim Sharp, Department of Sport and Recreation policy adviser Michael Cutler, Department of Premier and Cabinet principal policy officer Paul Joyce and state architect Geoffrey London will also take seats on the new board.

Meanwhile, the WA Football Commission has recruited engineer and telco executive, Peter Abery, to be its stadium project director.

Mr Abery, who will liaise with the steering committee on behalf of the WAFC, is a director of listed internet kiosk operator, pieNETWORKS Ltd.

Speaking at a briefing on the stadium this morning, WAFC chairman Neale Fong dismissed the suggestion that negotiations between the AFL and the government were breaking down, saying a misunderstanding over a document relating to the stadium's user agreement had prompted media speculation on the issue.

Stage 1 of the stadium is expected to be built by February 2014, with completion scheduled for February 2016.