State Government throws its support behind WA Super 14 bid

29/10/04
A $25million State Government contribution to fast track Stage II of Members Equity Stadium is part of a commitment to ensure Western Australia secures a Super 14 rugby union team for Perth.
Premier Geoff Gallop said Perth was aggressively vying with Melbourne for the right to host a team in the expanded high profile international competition.
"I am sure all Western Australians would back Rugby WA's bid to have a Super 14 team based in Perth and funding the upgrade of Members Equity underlines our level of support," Dr Gallop said.
"Rugby World Cup 2003 proved to the rest of Australia that people in the West are passionate about rugby and if Victoria thinks we are going to roll over and let them win this bid, it had better be ready for a tough fight.
"The reason we can afford to support the bid with $25million is because our disciplined management of the State's finances allows us to give this sort of direct dividend to the people of WA."
The upgrade would include a new grandstand taking capacity to 22,000 people, improved media, spectator and corporate hospitality facilities and better lighting at the former Perth Oval.
The expansion would also ensure the new 22,000-seat stadium surpassed all the standards set by Australian Rugby Union and South Africa New Zealand Australia Rugby (SANZAR) in their selection criteria for the new team.
Dr Gallop said the State Government was aware a world-class facility, as well as strong State Government support, would strengthen WA's chances of having a team based in Perth.
"Having the right venue is crucial to Perth's bid and the State Government is fully committed to continue working closely with Rugby WA to present the best possible bid," he said.
"A Super 14 team in Perth is not only important to the development of rugby union in this State, but would have a wonderful long-term social and economic impact in a whole range of areas, particularly in the area of international exposure through television coverage.
"A Perth-based team is not just about supporting an elite team - it will add a further dimension to community sport at all levels.
"We aim to ensure this purpose-built stadium is not only a world-class rugby venue but one that provides Perth Glory and other sports even better facilities to serve sport into the future."
The State Government has contributed $6million to the $11million establishment of Perth Oval as a rectangular stadium suited to soccer and rugby in partnership with the Town of Vincent.
The upgrade would begin straight away if Perth is successful in its bid and should be ready for Super 14 matches as early as 2007. It is understood Australian Rugby Union considers either Subiaco Oval or the WACA Ground ideal interim venues for a WA team for the first season, commencing in 2006.
"The benefits of a Perth-based team extend beyond the estimated $5million a year likely to be spent in the WA economy," Dr Gallop said.
"Strong support from Western Australians at recent Perth international rugby fixtures, as well as our geographical and climatic advantages, show categorically that Perth is the best location for a new team and this Government will do all it can to help Rugby WA in its bid."
Rugby WA Chairman Geoff Stooke said the State Government's outstanding commitment to upgrade the stadium was a significant boost to the Perth bid.
"The full backing of the State Government is crucial to a successful bid," he said.
"WA's rugby fraternity - which is expanding and becoming more passionate by the month - is delighted at the prospect of sharing a world-class venue with soccer and other sports that require a rectangular playing field.
"This support most certainly strengthens our bid chances because not only will we have playing, spectator and media facilities in keeping with a competition of this status, the corporate hospitality facilities will encourage sponsorship and provide additional on-going revenue streams."
Premier's office: 9222 9475