Editorial
The news this region is missing out on events because of the state and lack of investment in the WIN Entertainment Centre will come as a surprise to no-one.
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This masthead, the Lord Mayor of Wollongong Gordon Bradbery and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully MP have been shouting from the rooftops now for some time about the severe lack of upkeep and reinvestment in this important regional facility, which is now over two decades old.
Yet the NSW Government has shown very little interest in acting on the urgent need to revamp this facility. They at least became a little bit interested after a nationally-televised NBL game had to be abandoned due to a leak in the centre roof. After that event, acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said fixing the WEC would be a priority.
Documents accessed by Mr Scully have revealed not only the WEC's current condition is meaning the region is missing out on significant events, but also that NSW Venues, the government's venue operator, has finally joined the fray in pushing for action.
Venues NSW is seeking $3.5 million from the government to develop a full masterplan and business case, which has not progressed beyond initial stakeholder engagement which was done with an array of parties last year.
"These documents make the case for an upgrade of the now 21-year old WEC facility crystal clear," Mr Scully told the Illawarra Mercury.
We know it. The government knows it. Why delay? Prioritising the redevelopment of the WEC could be a perfect economic stimulus for industry in this region at this time. Governments will look at fast-tracking or prioritising various projects to keep the economy ticking over as the economy comes through the coronavirus pandemic and this could certainly be one of those.
"The Premier must now explain why she is so intent on continuing to reject the strong community support the upgrade has, including from the very statutory authority, Venues NSW, which owns the WEC and is pleading for her to get her chequebook out," Mr Scully said. Yes, Premier. We are listening? Stop stuffing around and get on with it.