New Darwin rectangular stadium to be built at Warren Park
JACK HISLOP, NT News
November 17, 2016 9:31am
Subscriber only
NIGHTCLIFF Dragons president Brian Edwards has slammed the NT Government’s decision to commit $25 million to fund a rectangular stadium at Warren Park.
After months of conjecture about where the new stadium would be built, including a false start at Richardson Park, the construction of a new venue at Marrara will begin within 18 months.
The funds will be fast-tracked from the 2021 budget, but not everyone is happy.
Edwards — a prominent figure within Darwin rugby league — said the decision was ludicrous.
“I’m not overly rapt with South Darwin (Warren Park) as the venue. I just can’t believe it,” Edwards said.
“I don’t know where they are going to park all the cars with this new ground or how they are going to run it. I don’t know where they have come at it from.
“On Richardson Park, Brothers and Nightcliff are still hopeful the government will uphold the previous government’s decision.”
Then-Opposition Leader Michael Gunner prioritised Warren Park at Marrara sporting complex as the new home for NRL NT in November last year. That contrasted with the former CLP Government’s original $20 million commitment to upgrade NRL NT’s former home at Richardson Park.
Rugby league has been without a proper base since NRL NT walked away from the dilapidated Ludmilla venue in 2014 after a 55-year association. Ongoing maintenance costs and a yearly $250,000 bill for council rates were the final nails in the coffin for Richardson Park.
NRL NT has shifted local games to makeshift venues over the past three years, including Fred’s Pass Reserve, Goodline Oval and the current fields at Warren Park.
The Parramatta Eels have a $4 million, four-year deal to play at least one NRL home-and-away game a year in the Territory. The agreement expires next year.
These fixtures have previously been played at TIO Stadium.
The former CLP Government was in the process of re-negotiating a deal with the Eels before their August election loss.
It is unclear whether Labor will pursue the relationship or if those games would be shifted to the new rectangular stadium in the future.
“We understand how important a rugby league stadium is to the region,” Minister for Tourism and Culture Lauren Moss said.
“The rugby league stadium at Warren Park was a major pre-election commitment….
“Warren Park will be a great home for rugby league; it is easily accessible for families, has the necessary room for construction and will help grow the sport in the Northern Territory.”
http://www.ntnews.com.au/sport/new-...k/news-story/392511fe46d4b794f82833d44d11b013
