Editorial Win Stadium Needs More Than Words
Illawarra Mercury
Thursday May 22, 2008
ANOTHER chapter is being written in the continuing saga of WIN Stadium with the State Government pledging $80,000 for a study into the construction of a new western grandstand.
Most readers would be aware of the protracted debate about the need to redevelop the stadium and the various options. The Government hopes a new study will be the catalyst for private development and encourage St George Illawarra to play more games in Wollongong.The Dragons are only playing a handful of games at WIN this year with other home games played at the corporately-attractive ANZ Stadium at Homebush while works continue at Kogarah.In the background is the possibility of a South Coast A-League franchise being based at WIN. This would more than justify capital works, although it remains to be seen whether the A-League bid will succeed. While we welcome another stab at sparking interest, we can't help but lament the fact that while other communities have benefitted from you-beaut new stadiums the Illawarra is stuck with a rundown facility.In the end, it would be nice if the NSW Government invested in this public infrastructure beyond the study. We're sure if it did it would lead to the creation of a wonderful sports precinct on the coast.As the adage goes, build it and they shall come.
© 2008 Illawarra Mercury