By Sarah Allely
St.George Leader
October 5, 2004
St.George Councils have been rummaging in the coffers for years to fund the upgrade of Kogarah's Jubilee Oval – and all along the Dragons should have just asked a couple of high-profile club members.
In a rare pre-election joint function, Prime Minister John Howard and Opposition Leader, Mark Latham brought the campaign frenzy to St.George, attending Sunday's pre-grand final match lunch at St.George Leagues Club.
Mr Howard matched Mr Latham's bid to fund their shared favourite NRL team's home ground to the tune of $8 million.
Barton MP Robert McClelland announced last week Labor, if elected, would spend $8 million to support the submission by the St.George Illawarra Dragons to fund the upgrade of Kogarah Oval.
Mr Howard then announced on Sunday that his Government would also
contribute $8 million over three years to implement the same improvements.
Labor's money would be spent over two years in two stages, beginning with the upgrade of lighting, seating, training and preparation facilities and ground surfaces.
In the second stage, extra grandstand seating, dressing rooms, canteens, disabled access toilets and a gymnasium and classroom would
be built. Mr McClelland said it was an important move and allowed the
club to become more involved in its community.
"It's pleasing to see that whichever party's elected, Kogarah Oval is going to be upgraded," he said.
"I'm particularly excited about the concept of bringing the players into the community, with mentor programs using the classroom and gym. Young men can do training side-by-side with their heroes," Mr McClelland said.
Liberal Party candidate for Barton, Bruce Morrow, said the upgrade was a fantastic thing for the leagues club and for the community in general. It's going to be more than just a leagues facility."
Dragons' chief executive officer/board member Peter Doust said yesterday it was pleasing to see Jubilee Oval would continue to be maintained as an important asset for the community.
In March a $2.4 million upgrade was officially signed off, including
$315,000 from Kogarah Council, $800,000 from the State Government and $923,000 from the club.
The council also decided to extend the five-year lease of the oval to St.George Leagues Club.
Over the years Kogarah Council has battled with Hurstville and Rockdale councils to contribute, with both ending up putting forward $50,000.
