Balmain steals our Magpies

[Callan Pk]

Balmain steals our Magpies
Jessica Mahar

http://static.yourguide.com.au/images/viewimages/?image=350509&size=2
Farmer fury: Independent councillors
Russell Matheson (left) and
Paul Lake. ‘‘It’s about time
these politicians put up or
shut up,’’ Cr Lake said.
Picture: Luke Fuda

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DEBATE about the proposed Campbelltown Stadium upgrade was fiery and emotional at last week’s councilmeeting, with councillors slamming Pat Farmer’s claims the stadium ‘‘does not get the numbers’’ and the
council had not supplied him with a detailed proposal.
The Advertiser has obtained a copy of the 22-page proposal sent to both Mr Farmer and Werriwa Labor MP Chris Hayes on October 2.
The council said it needs $11.8 million for an expansion of the western grandstand, an upgrade of media facilities, office space, an upgrade to locker rooms and gym, and replacement seating.
Last week, Mr Farmer announced he would push for funding for an MRI machine at the University of Western Sydney, because the stadium numbers didn’t ‘‘stack up’’.
Councillors slammed the Liberal MP, with independent Russell Matheson saying he was ‘‘sick of spoonfeeding Pat Farmer’’.
‘‘It seems that Campbelltown’s contribution to the Wests Tigers is waning,’’ he said.
‘‘Balmain has taken control of Wests Tigers and they don’t give a rat’s anything about Campbelltown.
‘‘The old black and white is a dead bird with its legs in the air.
‘‘If we get groups wanting to use it they book in advance, Wests Tigers can get in a line and take a ticket like everyone else.’’
The Advertiser’s report last week about Sydney Roosters possibly looking to play a ‘‘home game’’ at Campbelltown Stadium prompted independent councillor Fred Borg to say he may shortly be an Easts fan.
Council general manager Paul Tosi confirmed the council still had not met with Federal Sports Minister
George Brandis.
‘‘That meeting in Canberra was deferred and we were told it would be rescheduled but we didn’t receive any further correspondence,’’ Mr Tosi said.
Councillors said they were also disappointed to hear Wests Tigers would only play three games at the
stadium next year.
‘‘I was very, very confident we were going to get five games,’’ Cr Paul Lake, an independent, said.
‘‘It’s very disheartening for the community that gets behind this team and pays their money to watch the game.
‘‘Mr Farmer said the only way he could get [the funding] was an election promise.’’
Wests Tigers chief executive Steve Noyce said joint ventures would always have their problems.
‘‘Whether you play three games or six games shouldn’t be the measure of if you’re part of the
community,’’ he said.
‘‘Joint ventures are difficult in that they serve two communities.
‘‘I think we are committed to the local community and we’ve been honest with council that in the professional
world of rugby league there needs to be a commercial return.’’
Mr Tosi’s letter to John Howard was acknowledged with a reply from a senior adviser.
‘‘Your request for funding is being considered carefully on its merits and against the many other requests
for funding and sporting infrastructure,’’ the letter said.
Cr Brenton Banfield (Labor) said the stadium had always be a council priority.
‘‘It’s been a council priority since the early 90s before [Pat Farmer] even joined the Liberal Party,’’ he said.
‘‘The State Government put in $10 million, council put in $12 million and the Federal Government put in nothing.’’

State Sports Minister and member for Campbelltown Graham West said it was no longer up to the council or state to fund the upgrade.
‘‘[The Federal Government] has been able to give money for stadiums around the state and we’re still waiting,’’ he said.

http://campbelltown.yourguide.com.au/news/local/general/balmain-steals-our-magpies/1075286.html

Dunno about the headline, totally off tap, an attention getter I assume.

Gotta love Noyceys passion commitment and determination to get 6 games back to each traditional ground, he just oozes sincerity :roll:

I think we are committed to the local community

Pissin in the wind

 

[madunit]

thinking has always been his downfall though.

The less he did of it the more sleep we'd all get.