Olympic Park refit in doubt

Austadiums • Saturday 11th December 2004

Premier Steve Bracks has withdrawn $60 million in state funds to rebuild Olympic Park after Melbourne yesterday lost its bid for a team in the Super 14s rugby union competition.

Mr Bracks promised last month that if Melbourne won the bid the Government would contribute up to $60 million to a $100 million facelift of the ground.

Both rugby codes and soccer executives who will share the ground have called for the full revamp to go ahead despite the failed bid.

But Mr Bracks said the funding was off the table after yesterday's "disappointing" loss, with any improvements now subject to a feasibility study.

Government sources said improvements were now likely to be severely scaled down.

Sports Minister Justin Madden said a strong case remained for improving the park, which is home to Melbourne Storm and the likely base for new Melbourne Victory soccer team.

"The exact nature and scope of any works at Olympic Park will be the subject of a business case to be developed in the coming months by the Melbourne and Olympic Park Trust and the Government in close consultation with Storm, Victory and other tenants," he said.

"That case will have to be fleshed out with rugby league, the soccer fraternity, the athletics fraternity to see what the best business case is to redevelop in a sound business manner."

Mr Madden insisted Victoria's claim to the sporting capital remained justified.

"We've just been beaten at the try-line by the West Australians," Mr Madden said.

"We're still the sporting capital, we do sport better than anywhere else in Australia, we have superlative crowds."

Mr Bracks said Victoria had put in a strong bid.

"This is a disappointing decision for fans of rugby union in Victoria but we have had a go and we wish the sport well," he said.

Victorian Rugby Union chief Ron Steiner said he was determined to continue to develop the game in the state.

"We accept the process and we accept the decision," he said.

"Our rugby community is loyal, resilient and strong, and we will go on, and continue to invest in our future."

Olympic Park Stadium

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Premier Steve Bracks has withdrawn $60 million in state funds to rebuild Olympic Park after Melbourne yesterday lost its bid for a team in the Super 14s rugby union competition.
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