Save Leichhardt Oval petition this Sunday - please help

[SouthernTiger]

Sounds like you're doing a fantastic job guys. Great to see. Just a quick thing. Im not sure if anyone has mentioned this but perhaps you should try and get Phil Gould involved. Im not a huge fan of the guy but he is on record as a lover of suburban grounds. In particular he has commonly stated how he loves Leichhardt Oval. Anyway if you get an article out him it could be great exposure. I know he was very helpful to the R2K campaign

cheers

s. tiger

 

[Sincas]

Great suggestions guys. We need to see the Council's plan of management to work out what other parts need upgrading. Rif knows more about this side of things.

Gr8_1; we sent out a press release last week and were on 2gb on FRiday. It was a hectic weekend but Ric managed to do a few spots on various stations. We are looking to increase all of that now that things are up and running. We have a fairly large media list but its growing by the day so please email us any contacts or websites that we may have missed.

 

[RifRaf]

Why not do what R2k did
they put these questions out to fans asking about what improvements could be made, this way they can get a first hand view on what needs to be done,,
for example R2k asked about whether they should have lights...
whether bucket seats should replace the old seats at the bottom of the hill etc....

i support what you guys are doing just as i did with Kogarah and all the best and R2k got the questions put on rleague.com...
maybe have a free ticket offer for the person with best suggestions :roll:
anyways good luck
i just subscribed to your mailing list ;-)

We do ask for suggestions at www.stoptherot.org in the how you can help section but we'll look into it further. At this stage what we're asking for in principal is the same ground and feel but with facilities (toilets/disabled access etc) that are up to standard, upgrading of the entrances and security of the ground (it gets broken into regularly and the club told us over $10k worth of grog was taken last year) lazer leveling of the field so it could be used in the summer months for other sports (they won't use it at the moment).. The ground at you know it would remain much the same.... But any other ideas are welcomed and pls check out the site for ideas we have to create more revenue for the ground... We will not allow the hill to be developed I can assure you....The North Sydney oval is a blue print we're trying to follow in the way that they kept the charm and feel of the ground but created revenue streams (Some sport related shop fronts and function centre capibilities).

 

[RifRaf]

Just to keep you all in the loop.. We are having a sit down with Mayor of Leichhardt council (Alice Murphy) next week. She is only the mayor for one year and is keen to make her mark and seems simpathetic to our cause and has already suggested some possible avenues. We'll let you know how it all goes but keep your fingers crossed for us.. At the very least it would seem we are being taken seriously.. If you haven't dropped in to www.stoptherot.org lately please do there's a whole bunch of new press stories (in the press release section) and testimonials from fans (in testimonials)... Go the Tiges!

 

[RifRaf]

Disclaimer: I made a mistake in my last post and wrote our website as www.stoptherot.com NOT as it is correctly www.stoptherot.org (now fixed thanks to insane tipping me off)... I'd just like to say that we have no affiliation with any chess clubs and will not be turning Leichhardt oval into a chess playing arena I hope this covers any who folks issues that may have arisen from the other site.... LOL!

 

[Swampdonkey]

Just to keep you all in the loop.. We are having a sit down with Mayor of Leichhardt council (Alice Murphy) next week. She is only the mayor for one year and is keen to make her mark and seems simpathetic to our cause and has already suggested some possible avenues. We'll let you know how it all goes but keep your fingers crossed for us.. At the very least it would seem we are being taken seriously.. If you haven't dropped in to www.stoptherot.org lately please do there's a whole bunch of new press stories (in the press release section) and testimonials from fans (in testimonials)... Go the Tiges!

Well done on your work here people. I think you are all making a good effort for a great cause....

I have had a look at some of the replies you have been receiving in other forums RR, i think it is a credit to you for the way that you have handled all the criticism, abuse and encouragement.

I recently relocated to Brisbane and only get to come to a limited number of games per year, so far just the Manly game and then again this weekend against the Roosters, i feel like i am limited in what i can do besides getting my friends and family involved in the petition signing.

I am just wondering if you could lay out a few figures of what exactly it is that needs to be achieved to fix up Leichhardt. Do you know what kind of money is required to 'Stop the rot' and do you know what particular parts of the ground you are focusing your attention on?

Who is covering the cost of the southern stands demolition?

Are you working in conjunction with the football club? Will they be providing any financial assistance?

I am trying to think of ideas that may help and i am just hoping you can provide a few details to work with.

I have looked on the website, but was unable to find this kind of information.

 

[RifRaf]

Just to keep you all in the loop.. We are having a sit down with Mayor of Leichhardt council (Alice Murphy) next week. She is only the mayor for one year and is keen to make her mark and seems simpathetic to our cause and has already suggested some possible avenues. We'll let you know how it all goes but keep your fingers crossed for us.. At the very least it would seem we are being taken seriously.. If you haven't dropped in to www.stoptherot.org lately please do there's a whole bunch of new press stories (in the press release section) and testimonials from fans (in testimonials)... Go the Tiges!

Well done on your work here people. I think you are all making a good effort for a great cause....

I have had a look at some of the replies you have been receiving in other forums RR, i think it is a credit to you for the way that you have handled all the criticism, abuse and encouragement.

I recently relocated to Brisbane and only get to come to a limited number of games per year, so far just the Manly game and then again this weekend against the Roosters, i feel like i am limited in what i can do besides getting my friends and family involved in the petition signing.

I am just wondering if you could lay out a few figures of what exactly it is that needs to be achieved to fix up Leichhardt. Do you know what kind of money is required to 'Stop the rot' and do you know what particular parts of the ground you are focusing your attention on?

Who is covering the cost of the southern stands demolition?

Are you working in conjunction with the football club? Will they be providing any financial assistance?

I am trying to think of ideas that may help and i am just hoping you can provide a few details to work with.

I have looked on the website, but was unable to find this kind of information.

Firstly thanks for that, your sentiment is appreciated. The upgrade would cost anywhere from 2mil -5mil depending on the model that was finally chosen (a basic upgrade would suit most of us fine 2mil max to come from council,club and state). The council as owners of Leichhardt oval are responsible for the demolitian of the Mary St stands. Best ways to help is gather sigs (even if from qld, we've recieved some from Wales! and we believe some are on there way from Estonia......) Also if your in town on game days and can spare a bit of time drop us a line and help gather signatures on the day.. And help us think of other ways Leichhardt can be useful to the wider community, other sports, community events etc.... Cheers Mate.

 

[Jeffles]

I have a few points. Let me just say that I REALLY HOPE LEICHHARDT GETS FIXED. My comments are intended to be constructive.

1) I am opposed to any move to knock down the Mary St stands while it is still possible to renovate them. I understand the white ant problem but if they can be fixed, it would be good to keep the stands. They are a significant part of local heritage as the remnants of the old Oval. They also serve a decent purpose providing seats.

2) I understand the comparisons to the moves behind Kogarah. But I don't think it can be used as a precedent. Kogarah was located in an area with less stadiums. The state government could say (and I'd hate it if they do) "Saints had nowhere else in the area but you guys do in Concord".

3) Is it realistic to ask for levelling of the pitch etc to attract soccer? At the state level, soccer has Lambert Park. Nationally, there will only be one Sydney side in the new NSL and I doubt they'd pick Leichhardt. I don't think the Council will accept this argument as realistic.

4) I really hope they fix up the ground. It is a great place to watch footy and it is the ground I most attend (besides Henson).

 

[RifRaf]

All valid points, unfortunately firstly the Mary St stands have failed a structural adequacy and there fate would seem sealed. I myself haven't really used the Kogarah model as an example at all and if any I've used the North Sydney Oval if any as a model for development one that preserves the feeling/heritage of the ground first and foremost and then adds other community assets and revenue streams. With that said we have taken notice and advice for that matter from the "Back to Kogarah" group on how to go about things. The soccer element is only one of many differnent options we are looking at in order to find as much use as possible for the ground. However other community uses would be more viable imho. Don't be afraid (as you haven't)to offer constructive critisim to us mate, it helps us build a stronger case by addressing issues within ourselves before we need to when it comes crunch time. Hope this helps answer some of your points. Jeffles thanks for your support.

 

[Jeffles]

Not a problem. If you bring a petition to Henson Park when we play Balmain you can bet your bottom dollar you'll get a few signatures there.

I will be at Leichhardt for the Eels game and I will sign it there.

It is a shame about the Mary St stands. The taller one offers a great view. They're just so significant. As a local (Stanmore) always make me feel nostalgic. Seeing them in the distance from the bottom of Le Montage, or watching them appear from around the cornwer as you walk down Mary St gets you excited about the footy. I fear that a soul-less, modern facility would not invoke the same emotions.

The future of the Oval could be in RL. With Ryde-Eastwood, Balmain and Wests, there is a good base there.

Best of luck RifRaf and when you're finished, you can give me a hand with those Karmichael Hunts (I just invented rhyming slang) that have neglected Henson Park. ;-)

 

[Swampdonkey]

All valid points, unfortunately firstly the Mary St stands have failed a structural adequacy and there fate would seem sealed. I myself haven't really used the Kogarah model as an example at all and if any I've used the North Sydney Oval if any as a model for development one that preserves the feeling/heritage of the ground first and foremost and then adds other community assets and revenue streams. With that said we have taken notice and advice for that matter from the "Back to Kogarah" group on how to go about things. The soccer element is only one of many differnent options we are looking at in order to find as much use as possible for the ground. However other community uses would be more viable imho. Don't be afraid (as you haven't)to offer constructive critisim to us mate, it helps us build a stronger case by addressing issues within ourselves before we need to when it comes crunch time. Hope this helps answer some of your points. Jeffles thanks for your support.

The biggest problem as far as i know is the lack of use Leichhardt Oval gets. Tigers are only playing 4 games there this year. Aside from the soccer possibility, is there Rugby Union sides in the area that would look at utilising the facilities. If i remember correctly there was a team playing out of Drummoyne/West Harbour, or are they based at Concord?

Does it get used for junior football at all, or is it just used solely by the Tigers lower grades?

Has there been any thought given to things like naming rights being sold for the ground and utilising some of the vacant areas for sponsorship in order to fund improvements? With all the blank signage around the ground, you would have to think that there is some potential for more $'s.

I have a pub just down the road from me that has XXXX all over it, but it looks brand new, it would appear the pubs renovation have in part been made possible by a cash injection from XXXX.

 

[Jeffles]

Swampdonkey

Leichhardt is used for the Wests Tigers NRL team, Balmain Tigers (PL, Flegg, Ball, Matthews) and for Ryde Eastwood (Jim Beam Cup). You also have the junior RL grand final day, some school RL grand finals as well as some rep games (students, police etc).

The 2 Rah rah sides you speak of are based at Concord and Drummoynhe and both grounds suit their needs. I doubt you'll see relocation.

Leichhardt Tigers play at Lambert Park and probably wouldn't move. The National Soccer League side looks like playing at Concord or Parramatta.

Leichhardt is fairly well used for RL. There is a lot of lower grade action. It is a community facility.

 

[Swampdonkey]

Thanks Jeffles. It would be great if they could get an NSL or Union side to share the ground. But as you say, it is unlikely.

As far as trying to get money from the local council. Do we have any insight on what measures were taken (if any) by the Roosters, Rabbitohs, Bulldogs and Dragons supporters/clubs when they looked to relocate from their respective more traditional grounds? And if so, are there any measures those clubs made that could be used in the fight to save Leichhardt?

Just throwing out different avenues that i can think of that probably have already been explored. But it is better to make sure, in case there is something useful we can use.

 

[Sincas]

We have had some indication of what kind of upgrades would be required or proposed but we are not formulating the development plan so can't really comment on that until we see a final version. Once we know, we will let you guys in on it.

For now, our aim is to generate pressure to get the ground fixed/upgraded and once the development plan is in the public forum we can throw in our two cents worth. Its small steps at the moment.

We are working independantly of the football clubs but have their support and keep them in the loop with what we are doing. David Trodden in particular, has been very co-operative and supportive.

Lastly, we have updated the website www.stoptherot.org to include a newspaper articles section and a guestbook (not forum). Would love you guys to come in, have a browse and drop us a message when you get time.

We also have some positive media coverage coming soon so stay tuned.

We now have a email newsletter similar to the Roar News you may receive from Wests Tigers. That newsletter will keep you posted on any developments.

 

[Sincas]

As far as trying to get money from the local council. Do we have any insight on what measures were taken (if any) by the Roosters, Rabbitohs, Bulldogs and Dragons supporters/clubs when they looked to relocate from their respective more traditional grounds? And if so, are there any measures those clubs made that could be used in the fight to save Leichhardt?
.

That is an excellent point we will look into. The Council should realise the benefits associated with having a NRL game in the area. The local pubs, cafe's etc get business and the Council can generate more lease money so you'd think they would be interested in keeping rugby league at Leichhardt.

 

[Sincas]

What a great couple of weeks. Finally we got 2 in a row but if we are going to make the 8 we need to make it 3 in a row with a win against the Eels on Sunday.

Please do your best to make it to the game. We know what a home crowd advantage can do and this win could really consolidate a top 8 spot.

To those who have offered to help with the petitions in the past, we really need your help again. Anyone with any time to spare should email us at info@stoptherot.org and offer their services.

If you can't help out but believe in the cause and haven't signed a petition please make sure you grab one on the way into the ground or download one from www.stoptherot.org

We have a few big things planned for the remaining home games at Leichhardt but stay tuned for details of that in the near future.

We have had meetings with the Balmain Tigers and the Leichhardt Mayor recently. Everybody has been supportive and the campaign is really kicking along nicely. We also have some celebrities on board to help us out in the future.

If you want to see the ground upgraded so we can play there for many years to come, now is the time to stand up and be counted. Please lend a hand on Sunday.

Cheers,

sincas..

 

[innsaneink]

After the result tonite, and the opposition next week....and hopefully some nice weather, there should be a bumper crowd...would 18-19,000 be far fetched?

 

[simon says]

Gee I hope so.
At least 16-17.
20 would be great.

 

[CULLUS.ONLINE]

Last year when penrith were on some form their crowds swelled!

I hope it can be the same for us!

15000 min

safe guess 16000

i recon 16,500.............but dont worry tigers fans, that number will grow as we improve throughout the season. If we can keep up the work rate that we have at the moment, expect a 18,500 to 19,500 for souths!

 

[RifRaf]

As an added bonus for folks who help out this weekend you'll go into the draw to win 2 X Tickets in a fully catered Corporate box for the Storm game at Leichhardt 16-18 July. This includes unlimited beverages, appetisers, entrees and a gourmet meal... Last time we had 10 volunteers so your chances of winning are good...