It appears that the Wests Tigers hierarchy may have changed their tune a little over the club’s long term future in Campbelltown.
At last night’s meeting, Mayor Darcy Lound told the council a more positive approach was evident when he sat down with club bosses a day earlier.
“They are certainly more positive,’’ Mayor Lound said.
“They essentially implied that their number one goal is to do whatever they can to ensure they continue playing games in Campbelltown,’’ he said.
“I will present a full report to the council soon, but suffice to say that we discussed a new plan regarding council’s $25 million contribution towards the construction of the sports centre of excellence at Campbelltown Stadium,’’ Mayor Lound said.
He said the parties were looking at a possible configuration of the designs for the centre, which is to be located behind the goalposts at the northern end of the playing field, and include a large number of corporate seats.
Mayor Lound’s “positive’’ report, however, came after some robust comments from councillors over the letter from Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson dismissing council’s offer of a $10 million contribution towards the upgrade of the stadium as “a bridge too far’’.
What Mr Richardson meant was that the $10 million was wholly inadequate in enticing the federal and state governments to come to the party with funding towards a proposed $100 million redevelopment of the stadium.
“We all love Campbelltown and we all love the Wests Tigers being here,’’ independent councillor Adam Zahra told the council when the letter was tabled at the meeting.
“Council has done all it can in this matter, and if the Wests Tigers leave it’s on them,’’ he said.
Community First Councillor Josh Cotter, who says he and his family are big Wests Tigers fan, described the response from Mr Richardson as “a little bit of a slap in the face’’.
“They seem to have thrown in the towel without even waiting to see what the response will be from the other tiers of government,’’ he said.
His Community First colleague, Cr Warren Morrison, another self confessed fan of the Wests Tigers, also expressed disappointment with the club’s stance.
“I feel bad, the way the Wests Tigers have put it to us,’’ he said.
You think the letter from Wests Tigers’ CEO was a slap in the face to the Campbelltown Council. I believe it is the other way around. The West Tigers are not the only sport that uses the stadium. With an upgrade, you will likely attract more clubs to the area, which brings me to something I think you have overlooked. a boost to your economy.
I am glad Council updated their submission to $25 million – this a more reasonable offer.
Thankyou Mayor Lound for standing up for fans and community of Campbelltown.