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Despite a global financial crisis, a player mutiny and another stadium in Perth demanding a billion dollars of government funds, Mayor of Vincent Nick Catania has boldly predicted the Western Force could have a new home, seating 25,000, within 18 months.
Force fans sent a massive message to the state's sporting and political leaders last Friday, with around 18,000 packing Members Equity Stadium for a trial game against the Crusaders, despite most of the side's international stars sitting the game out.
The timing of the sellout was perfect for the club, who had used the fixture to lobby the state government on plans to increase capacity from 18,000 to 25,000 - if Colin Barnett's administration accepts a $75 million redevelopment proposal.
And unveiling plans for a three-tier grandstand on the eastern side of the ground, Catania told gathered dignitaries, including state and federal MPs, that if the money was there, his council would deliver the upgrade in a year and a half - if the state government came to the party.
"Anyone who has dealt with it will know when we say we will deliver we do, and we intend to deliver 25,144 seats with the help of the state government," Catania said.
"With the proper management of funds we can ensure no burden is placed on government, we can create about 200 jobs on site and about 1,000 jobs off site, and that helps in tough economic times.
"We can help, sport, help the community and help the economy by creating immediate jobs.
"And you may not believe that (we can finish it in 18 months) but we built the original in about 11 months and had it open in 15. We will deliver."
Such is Force fan dissatisfaction with Subiaco Oval, RugbyWA's board has already committed to move to Members Equity next season, despite it being too small for expected crowds, and not having corporate or media facilities needed for Super 14.
The Force believe they need a revamped rectangular stadium to secure their place in the WA sporting landscape - and the Super 14 competition - with the Victorian Government forging ahead with a $275 million project ahead of an expected aggressive bid for a Super 14 franchise.
"This is something the fans and the supporters are demanding, and is needed to ensure the future growth and development of rugby in this state," RugbyWA chairman Geoff Stooke said.
"We strongly believe Perth needs and serves a quality rectangular stadium for rugby union, soccer and rugby league.
"And it should be remembered that Melbourne has the MCG, Telstra Dome and they are currently spending $275m on a rectangular stadium adjacent to the MCG - for a Storm rugby league team which averages crowds of less than 10,000 and no representative rugby union team.
"They are suffering like every other state and commonwealth in regards funding … but the Victorian government has decided to spend, and hopefully our government sees it the same way."
Sports minister Terry Waldron said he would be speaking to premier Barnett and treasurer Troy Buswell about the proposals this week - but would need much more detail before a decision is made.
"We recognise there is a need for a new stadium … but with the current world conditions the government is considering all infrastructure over $20 million," Waldron said.
"We will look at the proposal put forward, and it will be considered along with the other infrastructure projects.
"If government were going to consider to Member's Equity Stadium, we will still be looking for quite a lot more detail than what we were given the other day.
"We have got no details of costings, and if government was to spend money there we have got make sure the i's are dotted and t's crossed. But we are not going to turn a blind eye."
Waldron said a decision on the Subiaco development would have to be made by the time the May budget came down - and a delay of that project could mean the plans for the former Perth Oval could still be considered.
"Everyone is assuming (the Subiaco Oval redevelopment) is not going ahead - that decision has not been made yet," Waldron told radio 6PR.
"If that stadium was delayed, I have been keen to look at what could happen at Members Equity Stadium because I am very cogniscent of the needs of rugby and soccer.
"With the possibility of it being delayed you may look at what else you could do in the meantime."