New South Wales’ Labor party has said it would not provide funding earmarked for the redevelopment of Sydney’s Allianz Stadium and ANZ Stadium if it is elected into government in March.
Allianz Stadium, also known as the Sydney Football Stadium, is set to be rebuilt with the existing venue to be replaced by an innovative stadium featuring a hybrid steel and wood roof.
ANZ Stadium, meanwhile, is set to undergo major renovation work as part of wide-ranging plans outlined earlier this year by the current NSW government, led by Premier Gladys Berejiklian. The total cost of the plans stands at Aus$1.5bn (£846m/€956m/$1.085bn).
Labor leader Michael Daley has said that, if he were to be elected as Premier, this money would instead be set aside for schools and hospitals. Allianz Stadium is managed by the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust (SCG Trust), whom Daley has urged to oppose the plans.
“I’m saying very clearly to the SCG Trust today: do not sign contracts for the demolition of this stadium,” Daley said, according to the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper. “Do not demolish this stadium. If you do, you will not get a single cent of free public money from me if I am elected Premier in March of next year.
“They can get a loan from the banks or talk about possibly a concessional loan from the government, but they will have to pay it back. If they get a loan from the Daley government, it won’t be free.”
Daley’s comments come after former Labor leader Luke Foley suggested Labor could be in favour of the ANZ Stadium redevelopment, even though he opposed the Allianz Stadium rebuild. Foley resigned in October following sexual harassment allegations, which he denied.
The Herald’s report added that planning approval for the demolition of Allianz Stadium could be granted “within days”.
Image: Adam.J.W.C.
Share this