$28.9 million govt grant to St George

[tigh]

October 16, 2009
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PREMIER REES ANNOUNCES $28.9 MILLION UPGRADE TO WIN STADIUM WOLLONGONG
Premier Nathan Rees today visited Wollongong’s WIN Stadium to announce a $28.9 million commitment to build a brand new Western Grandstand.
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The Premier was joined by local MPs David Campbell and Noreen Hay, Sports Minister Kevin Greene, St George-Illawarra Dragons coach Wayne Bennett and CEO Peter Doust.
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Mr Rees said that the Government’s investment in WIN Stadium would generate a wide range of benefits for the local economy.
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“This is a fantastic boost to the Illawarra’s economy and will deliver an additional 640 direct and indirect full time jobs,” Mr Rees said.
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“This massive investment will bring WIN Stadium up to a world-class standard and allow Wollongong to compete for a new range of national and international sporting and entertainment events.”
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The 50 year old Grandstand will be replaced by a new two tiered stand with 6,170 new covered seats and increasing capacity at the ground by 3,758 to 23,150.
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Mr Rees said that the old grandstand had clearly reached the end of its life.
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“The new stand means significantly improved facilities for footy fans and players, as well as those who’ll be flocking to hire the stadium to stage big events,” Mr Rees said.
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Wollongong MP Noreen Hay welcomed the investment in WIN Stadium and the local economy.
“This investment has been needed here for some time and I’m pleased to see the Premier has listened and taken action,” Ms Hay said.
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“WIN Stadium will now become an international concert and entertainment facility.
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“Events like Australia’s bid for the Soccer World cup as well as opportunities across retail, corporate hospitality and function and conferencing programs will all open up to us.”
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The project is expected to take 3 years to complete, and will also see small refurbishment works on the Southern Stand.
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Dragons CEO Peter Doust said the announcement to upgrade the Western Grandstand at WIN Stadium is great news and will go a long way to enhancing our confidence in the long-term future of the Dragons in the region,
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“The Dragons have always been committed to playing rugby league in Wollongong, it is a key element in our overall strategic plan,” he said.
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To watch today's announcement click here
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CEO & COACH PLEASED WITH STADIUM UPGRADE
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Dragons CEO Peter Doust and Head Coach Wayne Bennett were both present for today’s announcement by Premier Nathan Rees that the NSW State Government would be committing $28.9 million to the refurbishment of the western grandstand at WIN Stadium, Wollongong.
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To see Peter Doust comment on today’s announcement click here
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To see Wayne Bennett comment on today’s announcement click here

If a hick town like Wollongong can get close to $30m - why the hell can't we get double that for our Sydney grounds!!!!!!!!

 

[NJLM78]

Because LO or CST are probably found in either safe Liberal or Labor state electorates.

29 million is a lot to spend on a football ground. Maybe there are other places that could be better spent.

 

[Tiger_Al]

Wollongong is one of the safeset Labor elecorates around… so you can't use that excuse...

I like how Rees said the stand had clearly reached the end of its life... what about the stads at Leichardt?????

 

[Sabre]

Just sent Mr. Rees an e-mail asking how he could give a grant to Win Stadium and not Leichhardt Oval.

 

[Yossarian]

Probably because its the only large ground in the whole Illawarra area whereas Leichhardt Oval is about 10km from two 40,000+ seat stadiums. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see LO get some cash but it's a bit of a different situation.

 

[Peaches]

It should also be noted that ground gets 6 NRL games a year gauranteed, is being talked up as a possible Soccer World Cup venue should Australia win the rights and is being looked at as a concert hosts. Not supporting it in any way but just noting how it differs from both Leichardt and Campbelltown.