Build the stadium - Tourism WA

[NewsBot]

THE Tourism Council of WA has called on the State Government to push ahead with a new multi-purpose outdoor stadium at either East Perth or Kitchener Park.

Ron Buckey, TCWA Chief Executive Officer, has urged the State Government to get tough with the administrators of Australian Rules football, cricket and rugby, to accept the recommendations of the Langoulant Report in the interests of the wider community.

“The longer the debate goes on the longer it is going to take for Western Australia to have a world class major stadium,” Mr Buckey said.

“The sporting codes must agree to the recommendations of the Langoulant Report and realise that there is a huge opportunity for everyone instead of looking after their own interests.

Mr Buckey said the window of opportunity to build this once in a lifetime community asset could close while the codes bicker about what is best for their individual games.

“We will never have a better opportunity than now to build a facility that will put us on par with the other state capital cities to attract big events that can provide significant benefits to the local economy.

“TCWA sees no reason why the stadium cannot be built and still meet the community’s expectations on other public infrastructure projects.

“The State Government has rightly squashed the idea of redeveloping Subiaco Oval, so now the focus must be on where the new stadium will be built and how it will operate.

“It has taken two years to get to this stage and the community is crying out for all parties – the State Government and the sporting codes - to sort themselves out and get on with the job.

“The codes have to realise that we are talking about a community asset not just a sporting facility.

“Once the sports get their perspective in line with the Langoulant Report and the State Government things will move quickly,” he said.

Mr Buckey said major sporting events had the ability to inject millions of dollars into local economies with business such as hotels, restaurants, transport and retailing being the biggest beneficiaries.

July 12, 2007 04:00pm
http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/stor...5-2761,00.html

[The Lone Hydrangea]

Interesting comment from Ron Buckey, an ex leading WAFL umpire from 20 years ago. He would of umped in many final matches at Subi and he realises its shite, and a embarrasment.

[blueandblack]

....
“It has taken two years to get to this stage and the community is crying out for all parties – the State Government and the sporting codes - to sort themselves out and get on with the job.
....

I'd say most of the "community" are people of the various sporting communities.