The state government's John Langoulant-led major stadia taskforce interim report was released today by Sport and Recreation Minister John Kobelke, with greenfield locations emerging as the favoured sites for a new 60,000 seat stadium.
The state government's John Langoulant-led major stadia taskforce interim report was released today by Sport and Recreation Minister John Kobelke, with greenfield locations emerging as the favoured sites for a new 60,000 seat stadium.
As has been previously flagged, the taskforce has recommended a new major multi-purpose outdoor sports stadium be investigated further at the old East Perth power station, or Mueller Park adjacent to Subiaco oval.
The taskforce also recommended the down-sizing of the WACA to a 10,000 seat venue that would host domestic cricket matches only, with major international games being played at the new stadium - an option that was mooted by WA Business News in April.
Speaking on Perth radio Mr Langoulant said that Subiaco Oval may be demolished if a new stadium went ahead at Mueller Park, but he also said the option put forward by the Western Australian Football Commission to redevelop Subiaco Oval would be considered.
WAFC head Wayne Bradshaw also speaking on radio said that he was convinced Subiaco Oval could be redeveloped in the same way that the MCG recently was.
WACA CEO Tony Dodemaide was understandably disappointed at the prospect of the WACA losing major cricket matches, but conceded it was difficult only having one sport using the ground. Cricket authorities are actively pursuing rugby to be move to the WACA in an effort to better utilise the venue.
The taskforce's interim deliberations also provided a jolt to the proponents of the Cockburn Central site in Perth's southern suburbs, with concerns over its distance from the city and lack of other supporting amenities.
City of Cockburn mayor Stephen Lee said he would continue to promote Cockburn Central to the people of WA, and said he would be very surprised if it didn't emerge as the preferred site.
The minister said that the government had accepted the recommended directions of the taskforce report, as it provided a good framework for further detailed work to allow a decision on the development of a major facility.
All parties concurred that apart from the taskforce's views, the government's appetite for the massive expenditure required for the project, expected to be up to $1 billion, would be a key factor.
The interim report also recommended:
- a two-stadia policy which would accommodate the future needs of football (all codes) and cricket and the provision of a smaller capacity venue for domestic cricket;
- the development of a new major multi-purpose outdoor stadium within 10 years;
- that a stadium within approximately 1.5km of the CBD with high quality public transport be the preferred option;
- that use of public transport between 50 and 70 per cent through an integrated policy be targeted;
- that the requirements of all sports be considered equitably when determining public investment in stadia; and
- that no public funds be allocated to the development of a stadium until it is under the direct control of the Government.
The taskforce's final report is due to be delivered in the first quarter of next year.
THE FULL MEDIA RELEASE APPEARS BELOW.
Major Stadia Taskforce interim report released
Sport and Recreation Minister John Kobelke today released the interim report of the Major Stadia Taskforce.
"Discussion about a new major stadium has evoked great public interest and debate, so the State Government is keen to let people know what is being suggested by the taskforce before moving on to the next step," Mr Kobelke said.
The Government has accepted the recommended directions of the taskforce report, as it provides a good framework for further detailed work to allow Government to make a decision on the development of a major facility.
The taskforce has recommended a new major multi-purpose outdoor sports stadium be investigated further at either:
- East Perth - adjacent to the East Perth power station; or
- Subiaco - at Kitchener/Mueller Park.
A further location to be investigated would be the existing Subiaco Oval site, assisted by the Western Australian Football Commission's Subiaco Oval redevelopment masterplan.
The interim report also recommended:
- a two-stadia policy which would accommodate the future needs of football (all codes) and cricket and the provision of a smaller capacity venue for domestic cricket;
- the development of a new major multi-purpose outdoor stadium within 10 years;
- that a stadium within approximately 1.5km of the CBD with high quality public transport be the preferred option;
- that use of public transport between 50 and 70 per cent through an integrated policy be targeted;
- that the requirements of all sports be considered equitably when determining public investment in stadia; and
- that no public funds be allocated to the development of a stadium until it is under the direct control of the Government.
"We will be speaking to key sports and listening to the public debate while refining the terms of reference for the taskforce to complete the next stage of its investigation," the Minister said.
"This second stage will give the Government a detailed examination of the taskforce's preferred options."
Mr Kobelke said the taskforce would conduct detailed business analysis of the short-listed sites on issues related to planning, transport, finances and risk assessment.
The Minister thanked the taskforce for its work to date and said he looked forward to its final report, due to be delivered in the first quarter of next year.
