The state opposition has called on the government to expedite a decision on the location of a new 60,000 seat multi-purpose stadium, following yesterday's breakthrough agreement between the government, AFL and the West Australian Football Commission.
The state opposition has called on the government to expedite a decision on the location of a new 60,000 seat multi-purpose stadium, following yesterday's breakthrough agreement between the government, AFL and the West Australian Football Commission.
Liberal leader Paul Omodei said time to make a decision on the location was fast running out if the stadium was to be built within the next five years.
"The in-principle decision is a breath of fresh air and the AFL should be commended for its leadership role in reaching the agreement," Mr Omodei said.
"The problem now is that the Carpenter Government seems to be unable to make a decision on where the stadium should be located.
"I have offered bi-partisan support for the project wherever it is located but we just have to get on with it.
"The government's indecision cost us Federal funding during the recent election campaign and now it is delaying getting the job done.
"The government must also come clean and tell us how much disruption there will be to football if they choose Kitchener Park as the new site."
A meeting of government and football officials, including AFL chief Andrew Demetriou, was convened by sport and recreation minister John Kobelke yesterday, where it was agreed that football would be the primary user of the stadium and would have priority access rights.
The parties also agreed that the new stadium would be governed by an independent trust appointed by the state government, ensuring that the interests of sport are maintained.
The decision on location will rest with the state government while a working group under the joint leadership of Alastair Bryant (DSR) and Gillon McLachlan (AFL) will convene next year to formalise a detailed agreement by March, 2008.
Mr Kobelke said yesterday, he was buoyed by the unanimity expressed at the meeting.
"It has been an important day where Government and football clarified their positions and worked through the outstanding issues," he said.
"Football wants to support the stadium and wants to support the Government in building a world-class facility.
"This is an exciting new sports infrastructure initiative being developed for the benefit of the community. We are now a big step closer to providing government with the details it requires for consideration before committing to building the stadium.
"I'm also pleased that the meeting saw all parties recommitted to ensuring grassroots football in WA will remain financially secure into the future.
"I look forward to seeing these negotiations continue."
AFL Chief Executive said the AFL, on behalf of all football, supported a stadium solution that would provide the best possible outcome for both the football community and the wider WA public.
"The AFL will continue to work with the government to try to bring to life this project and ensure the football community and investment in community football benefits from a new 60,000 seat stadium," Mr Demetriou said yesterday.
"This stadium, when built, will be an outstanding venue and as such football is very much behind the Minister and Government.
"Football acknowledges that the State Government's commitment to a new stadium is a great offer and one we embrace with enthusiasm.
"The AFL will consider how it could contribute financially to the stadium project and looks forward to fruitful discussions by the working party in the coming months."
