Wollongong councillors have raised concerns about the rising costs of installing the city’s first synthetic pitch, with many saying they will not support pouring more money into the project.
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Wollongong Lord Mayor revealed last week that the long-awaited upgrade of one of the football fields at Ian McLennan Park had blown out by $1 million, after investigations revealed problems with drainage and extra requirements to ensure the playing field was up to professional standards.
On Monday night, Cr Bradbery asked for an urgent briefing about the shortfall, and the implications of providing up to $700,000 extra to assist with the funding of the project.
He has also asked for information about the possibility of support from the NSW Government and Football South Coast, and details on how the project could be rolled out over the next few years.
“Councillors we’ve already spent $190,000 in the preliminary studies, which have revealed the cost shortfalls and difficulties of putting a synthetic pitch in that particular location,” Cr Bradbery said.
“This is desperately needed, our sports reference group have made it very clear that this is a high priority.”
He noted he was not asking the council to commit extra funds yet, but said he was keen to see the project progress.
Labor councillor Ann Martin said she was struggling with the idea of pouring extra money into the pitch upgrade, as she had been approached by another club – the Lakeside Lions – who required $23,000 to install new lighting so they did not lose their funding.
“These are kids from Koonawarra, Kanahooka and those suburbs and I’ve been told that’s not possible and we can’t find $23,000 for them,” she said.
Likewise, Janice Kershaw said she would support the Lord Mayor’s initial motion to seek more information, but was unlikely to vote for any extra funds.
“I’ve been approached by other soccer clubs who need money for drainage. We’ve got a lot of young boys and girls who play soccer in the suburbs, and they will not see or get to play on this pitch,” she said. “I think Wollongong should have one – or two or three – there are councils who have more, but some of them are fully funded by state government.”
Cr Takacs and Cr Merrin also raised concerns, asking for information on maintenance costs and health impacts of synthetic pitches.
But Liberal councillor Bede Crasnich noted soccer was played by thousands of player across the region and said the extra money was “a small price to pay for something that brings so much community involvement”.
Councillors will consider the feasbility of providing extra funds on July 31.