Anyone ('gong local perhaps) able to give a recent update on the state of things with the roof? Haven't heard anything for a while, just keen on knowing what is happening.
We had contracted Moltzen Construction to repair but they realised they were already committed to fixing up Leichardt.
Seriously, there's talk it may upset our home games next year.
Fears WIN Stadium roof will put Dragons home games at risk
BY NICOLE HASHAM
13 Oct, 2011 04:00 AM
The near-collapse of WIN Stadium's grandstand roof has delayed the project by up to five months, raising fears Wollongong could lose Dragons home games to Sydney.
It compounds a State Government decision earlier this week to disband the Illawarra Venues Authority, manager of WIN Stadium, and absorb it into a new central body called Venues NSW.
The change could mean Dragons fixtures contract negotiations are handled by an 11-member board comprising just one representative from the Illawarra, diminishing the region's influence.
Illawarra Venues Authority (IVA) chairman Chris Christodoulou said the grandstand's opening date could be pushed back until June next year as builders work to secure the stricken structure. He said the delay, coupled with the decision to dump the IVA, could "complicate" contract talks with the Dragons.
A minimum seven home games are played in Wollongong under the existing contract, which expired at the end of last season.
Sources say the Dragons are seeking to play a minimum five home games in Wollongong under the new contract.
Mr Christodoulou said the IVA would not support such a deal, but would not confirm details of the talks.
But he feared the Dragons could postpone negotiations with the IVA in the hope of a more flexible arrangement with Venues NSW, which he predicted would make decisions purely on a commercial basis.
"The current board has a very firm view about making sure ... we maintain our equal share of games between the Illawarra and Sydney," he said.
"Given the unfortunate complications with the roof for the western grandstand and … [the disbanding of the IVA], the Dragons might use it as a bargaining chip to stall negotiations."
Dragons chief executive Peter Doust said the club supported the creation of Venues NSW, which he said promised to "streamline" the operations of facilities.
But he stressed the change would not alter the club's commitment to the Illawarra.
"To suggest that [the changes] may impact upon the number of games the Dragons play in Wollongong is not relevant," he said, adding that "venue availability and overall hiring costs" would be the only mitigating factors.
Sports Minister Graham Annesley said: "Government has invested heavily in these venues, so we have a responsibility to maximise efficiencies and protect the investment on behalf of taxpayers. This would not be possible without major hirers."
LINK: http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/...l-put-dragons-home-games-at-risk/2322114.aspx
