At last, something to cheer about

By Editorial
Updated November 5 2012 - 9:19pm, first published October 18 2009 - 4:44am

Finally.Only weeks into his premiership, Nathan Rees told us, in effect, don't expect any money for anything big. Caught in the eye of the economic storm, his government was going back to basics.We understood what he was saying. Things were grim and allocating money to lavish plans, such as that first proposed for WIN Stadium, would be seen by some as a luxury we could not afford.Times have changed and Mr Rees and his colleagues, including Treasurer Eric Roozendaal, have approved a plan for a more modest upgrade - but one that still delivers. We stand to get an ultra-modern facility fit for first-class sporting fixtures. And we can think big when it comes to bidding for new events.Crucially, MPs David Campbell and Noreen Hay used their influence and powers of persuasion to finally put the Illawarra at the front of the pack for funds. Yes, there will be critics who say $29 million would have been better spent on Wollongong Hospital. On roads. On job creation. And absolutely they remain a priority. But an improved stadium will benefit more than just Dragons fans. It will underpin an important part of the local economy.Mr Rees acknowledged the Illawarra deserves better facilities. His government's vow to breathe life into the city's heart is something we should all cheer.

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