The state opposition is moving a notice of motion, calling on the Berejiklian Government to include a representative from the Hunter on a new board and advisory committee to manage venues throughout NSW.
The Berejiklian Government will put forward legislation in Parliament this week, which will bring together a range of sporting and entertainment venues throughout NSW under a single board, including Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Newcastle Showground.
Shadow
Minister for Sport Lynda Voltz says given the importance of McDonald Jones
Stadium, Newcastle Entertainment Centre and
Newcastle Showground to the network of venues in NSW, the Hunter region should
be represented.
“It’s
not good enough for the current government to give assurances about Newcastle’s
venues having a strong voice at the table; we want to make sure of it by making
it a requirement,” she said.
“Merging the existing Venues NSW with the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust creates a
huge body where smaller venues risk having their needs overlooked.”
State
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said that given the size and importance of
the Newcastle facilities to the region, the Hunter deserves a seat at the
table.
“McDonald
Jones Stadium plays a crucial role in driving Hunter tourism, including as the
host for several international soccer matches in the upcoming FIFA Women’s
World Cup,” he said.
“However
the Government’s focus has been solely on Sydney stadiums, while our
long-mooted redevelopment of the precinct into a world class facility has been
relegated to the backburner.
“The
redevelopment of the Hunter Sports and Entertainment precinct must be one of
the key projects Venues NSW progresses in the coming years and it is critical
we have local representation on the board and advisory committee to move this
stalled project forward.
“Yet
again we have seen this Sydney-centric government completely forget about
Newcastle and the Hunter region when setting up the board and committee -
Labor’s amendment will address this,” Tim Crakanthorp said.
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| McDonald Jones Stadium will be managed by a central venues authority Picture: austadiums.com |
