State Government unlikely to increase funding for Rushton Park

Chris Egan • Tuesday 20th June 2006
EXCLUSIVE

Austadiums can reveal that an increase in State Government funding through the Department of Sports and Recreation for Rushton Park, is unlikely to occur. Despite claims by Peel Thunder they were looking at increasing funding through the State Government, the Department of Sport and Recreation has quashed speculation that it would negotiate a larger sum to the redevelopment of the Mandurah ground.

Aaron Minchin who is the manager of the Peel office of the Department of Sports and Recreation said that Peel Thunder would have to sacrifice the presently allocated $400,000 grant if it was to seek more funding.

"They can seek to forego the funding...and apply for a new grant, but they run the risk of getting nothing"

The present grant according to the DSR can not be negotiated on as it was allocated as a CSSR grant and Mandurah Football and Sporting Club are ultimately responsible for the redevelopment.

"Ultimately when the project starts is up to Peel Thunder, we have no control over it, we just set the acquittal date...Mandurah Football and Sporting Club are the Project Manager's"

"We have put in an acquittal date, we are expecting it to be completed by the 2007/08 Financial year"

"Peel Thunder (parent company Mandurah Football and Sporting Club) must complete the ground by this time, in order to gain the grant"

However Minchin explained that Peel Thunder could choose to defer the acquittal date, if it is unlikely to complete the stadium before then.

"Mandurah Football and Sporting Club have the option for a deferral...but they have yet to put in an application"

The Rushton Park redevelopment was originally planned to cost 2.2 million dollars with the funds at present being $400,000 from both the State Government (CSSR Grant) and Mandurah City Council.

Austadiums believes there is a possibility of additional funding from the council to be announced in the 2006/07 Council Budget as the redevelopment costs greatly exceed the amount initially quoted.

Cadell Buss, the Chief Executive Officer of Peel Thunder, was contacted but refused to comment on the Rushton Park redevelopment to Austadiums.com.

Lane Group Stadium

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EXCLUSIVE | Austadiums can reveal that an increase in State Government funding through the Department of Sports and Recreation for Rushton Park, is unlikely to occur. Despite claims by Peel Thunder they were looking at increasing funding through the State Government, the Department of Sport and Recreation has quashed speculation that it would negotiate a larger sum to the redevelopment of the Mandurah ground.
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