Graham Annesley MP Minister for Sport and Recreation MEDIA RELEASE

Monday 26 November 2012 NSW STADIA STRATEGY TO GROW MAJOR EVENTS AND TOURISM

Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley, today announced a new stadia strategy which will help guide future development, planning and investment in NSW major sporting venues.

“The NSW Stadia Strategy focuses on major outdoor stadia some of which are owned or leased by the NSW Government while others are owned by local councils and sporting clubs,” Mr Annesley said.

“Historically the NSW Government has received ad-hoc and often competing requests for significant support to redevelop existing stadia and develop new venues.

“For the first time in NSW we now have a strategy which will be used to guide future planning, and provide the framework for government policy and investment decisions,” Mr Annesley added.

Independent consultants KPMG assisted with the development of the strategy and extensive consultations with stakeholders.

People who use the venues, including sporting clubs and event organisers, venue hirers, local councils, and the entertainment industry were involved in the consultation process.

“The role of Government in determining where and when tax payer dollars are invested must be based on a strategic framework which is why the stadia strategy was developed.

“The NSW Government cannot, and would never attempt to dictate to sporting organisations where they should play, but they need to be armed with information about the priorities for Government investment so they can properly plan for the future.

“The Stadia Strategy will assist the NSW Government respond to stakeholder expectations, better address community access to government owned venues and meet key objectives for growing major events and tourism in NSW,” Mr Annesley said.

STADIA

MINISTER’S INTRODUCTION 3

1 INTRODUCTION 4

2 DEVELOPment of the nsw stadia strategy 6

2.1 STAkeholder consultation 6 Cover Sound Relief 2.2 REVIEW OF EXISTING STADIA 8 Sydney Cricket Ground 2.3 clASSIFICATION OF EXISTING STADIA 9 Above 2.4 BENCHMARKING TO OTHER STATES 11 Sydney Roosters vs St George Illawarra Dragons 2.5 STADIA STRATEGY DESIGN PRINCIPLES 13 Sydney Football Stadium 2.6 MODELS FOR THE STADIA STRATEGY 13 Below The Ashes 2011 3 THE NSW STADIA STRATEGY 15 Sydney Cricket Ground 3.1 THE STRATEGY 15

3.2 WHAT THE NSW STADIA STRATEGY DELIVERS 16

3.3 SUPPORTING COMMUNITY FACILITIES 16

3.4 TIER 2 STADIA NOT INCLUDED IN THE STRATEGY 17

4 aCTION PLAN 18

2 | STADIA STRATEGY 2012 minister’s INTRODUCTION

I am pleased to present the NSW Olympics is now ageing, and in coming Government’s Stadia Strategy, years will need upgrading and in some which is the outcome of an extensive cases replacing. consultation process which included The post-Olympic NSW Government major sporting organisations, infrastructure investment strategy teams, stadia owners and operators, was at best ad hoc, with minimal event promoters, industry groups consideration given to ensuring and local government. long-term sustainability. This is the first time a NSW Current economic times demand the Government has sought to provide right decisions be made for the future a vision for the future of stadia, of NSW and the Stadia Strategy ticks free of political influence, and that box. offering stakeholders a ‘road map’ for the future. Funds will always be limited and it is essential future investments The devised Stadia Strategy provides are planned. clear direction that future capital facilities; and make NSW more investment is prioritised to NSW Review of stadia has identified the competitive in its ability to host Government owned or leased stadia number of current venues requiring major sporting events. to ensure: ongoing maintenance and or In developing this strategy, the upgrading is financially unsustainable. • Facilities for participants and needs of both the sports industry spectators are improved; Most stadia are state or local and the wider community have been considered. • Venues cater for multi-purpose government venues, with a small sport and community use; number in private ownership. Stadia play a vital role within our • NSW becomes Australia’s Belief the NSW Government has an society, promoting a healthy and preferred location for major overriding responsibility to ensure all active lifestyle, fostering a social national and international events. sporting infrastructure is maintained network and creating an emotional and upgraded is inaccurate. experience which when combined The implementation of the Stadia deliver major economic benefits Strategy is integral to ensuring The important link between multi to the NSW economy. NSW keeps pace with the evolution code usage and professional sport of sport both in Australia and around tenancy is seen as a determining The NSW Government is committed the globe. factor in implementing future to maintaining and providing world stadia investment, with the desired class stadia infrastructure in line with Sport, as an industry, is a significant outcome being to ensure facilities a financially responsible strategy. contributor to the NSW economy. are maintained to a superior As the Minister for Sport and Together with the ever changing standard to maximise spectator Recreation I am delighted to join landscape of sporting organisations, and promoter attraction. the Premier in releasing the NSW it is imperative NSW be positioned Similarly the review has identified Stadia Strategy which will provide to maximise its value to the sporting the merit in matching stadia a framework for NSW Government community and take advantage of investment with population growth planning, policy and investment for every opportunity. patterns to ensure regions, such as many years to come. Spectators today expect more Western Sydney, are catered for, both from the match day experience, in the immediate and long term. especially in major international and The importance of stadia is national competitions. Stakeholders recognised in the Government’s interviewed overwhelmingly agreed ten-year plan, NSW 2021: A Plan to the current model of stadia provision Make NSW Number One, with key is not sustainable. performance objectives being to; Sporting infrastructure established improve community access; increase The Hon. Graham Annesley MP in the lead-up to the 2000 Sydney multi-purpose usage; improve Minister for Sport and Recreation

STADIA STRATEGY 2012 | 3 1 INTRODUCTION

Sporting and recreational facilities by the NSW Government. This is Government’s commitment outlined contribute to stronger, more likely to increase as venues age and in NSW 2021: A Plan to Make NSW vibrant communities and provide competition for events increases. Number One to: important economic benefits. To date, NSW has not had a clear • Provide the community with NSW has a range of facilities that strategy to guide NSW Government increased access to stadia; host international, national, state stadia planning and investment. • Encourage multi-purpose usage and local community events. The of stadia; majority are owned by the NSW The NSW Stadia Strategy provides • Improve facilities for participants or local government, with a small a framework for NSW Government and spectators; and number being privately owned. investment and aims to achieve • Improve the competitive position of NSW when attracting an optimal mix of venues to major events. The NSW Government receives meet community needs and to frequent and competing requests ensure a vibrant sports and event The focus of this strategy is outdoor for funding to upgrade facilities environment in NSW. It has been stadia that can be used by multiple even when they are not owned developed in response to the sporting codes for national and

4 | STADIA STRATEGY 2012 © SCG Trust/Hamilton Lund

Left Sydney Cricket Ground and Sydney Football Stadium international competitions. The access by public transport and strategy recognises the business a range of pre-and post-match Below Function Room of sport is changing and the NSW entertainment within the same Hunter Stadium Government must have a plan precinct. The first phase will be to ensure its major stadia are to implement the Government’s competitive with those in other framework and seek to improve states. This must balance the ability usage of stadia, noting the for NSW to host major events such opportunities for new government as the ICC Cricket World Cup and investment are limited in the current the AFC Asian Cup, both in 2015, as environment. In the longer term, well as weekly sporting events. strategic decisions will be made around additional investment in The strategy is a long term vision for stadia as opportunities arise. stadia in NSW and acknowledges spectators now expect more of the match day experience, including © Venues NSW/Arrow Photography

STADIA STRATEGY 2012 | 5 2 DEVELOP MENT OF THE NSW STADIA STRATEGY

The development of the NSW Stadia Evidence suggests there are too Strategy has included a review of many stadia in NSW, particularly current stadia in NSW, stakeholder in Greater Sydney. NSW has a consultation and supporting analysis. disproportionately high number © Hindu Council of Australia This analysis has covered a range of venues compared to other Above of areas including benchmarking mainland states. These venues are Deepavali Fair to other states, demographic highly decentralised. Many sporting Parramatta Stadium and future demand analysis, the teams have their own home Right consideration of the value of major stadium and some also play out Super X events and review of risks. of additional stadia. Parramatta Stadium Stadia are underutilised and community access is often limited. DEFINING STADIA Local stadia can be too expensive The focus of the NSW Stadia for non-professional sporting groups, Strategy is multi-use, outdoor and concern about turf and ground stadia with a total capacity of quality can restrict their use. at least 10,000. The quality of NSW facilities is This means it focuses on venues perceived as inferior to those that can be used by multiple available in other states. National sporting codes and does not and international sports organisations include single-use facilities such have minimum requirements relating as hockey and softball fields. to corporate, media, player and spectator facilities, which provides Similarly the focus on venues an ongoing challenge in meeting with more than 10,000 capacity expectations across a large number means the strategy does not of venues. focus on smaller district and local level facilities. Many stadia are compromised by poor public transport. Stakeholders However, it is acknowledged noted that public transport these smaller facilities perform accessibility is important to the an important role in the provision success of stadia and this is of sporting infrastructure difficult with a large number of across NSW. decentralised venues.

Spectators consider the match day 2.1 Stakeholder experience in NSW inferior. Local grounds in residential areas cannot consultation compete with specialised sporting Stakeholders include sporting teams and entertainment precincts. and organisations; tourism and events Government investment has been organisations; local government; ad hoc, leading to inequities in stadia and stadia operators and owners. provision and quality. Over the last Consulting with stakeholders to 10 years, the NSW Government has understand their requirements has committed in excess of $300 million been critical to the development of to the re-development of stadia, the strategy and together with the however this has not been guided supporting analysis, has highlighted by a long term plan with linkages to concerns including: transport planning.

6 | STADIA STRATEGY 2012 © Global Action Sports

STADIA STRATEGY 2012 | 7 © Sydney Olympic Park Authority/Ethan Rohloff

ECONOMIC The maintenance of stadia is 2.2 Review of CONTRIBUTION becoming unaffordable for many existing stadia OF SPORTS EVENTS venue operators. While the NSW Government has responsibility In order to develop a workable Sporting events can be a for the maintenance of NSW strategy it is important to significant contributor to Government owned venues it understand what stadia are currently economic activity. Ticket sales, cannot support the increasing available in NSW. A register of television and broadcast rights, costs associated with other stadia was developed as part of the advertising, sponsorship and venues across the state. strategy and found that there are at the sale of merchandise least 40 stadia across NSW. It is important to maintain the contribute directly to the ( ) competitiveness of NSW when Of the 40 stadia, 26 65% are in economy, including providing Greater Sydney. Most (68%) are bidding for major events. If NSW job opportunities. Events rectangular in configuration, only does not demonstrate vision with can also promote interstate, five (12%) are oval and eight (20%) its stadia investment, events and intrastate and international are multi-purpose, meaning they spectators may move to other tourism, and increase spending can be used in either configuration. destinations, impacting a significant by local residents. source of economic benefit for NSW Government venues include the Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney For example, it is estimated that the state. Football Stadium, Wollongong the 2006 Commonwealth Games There is general agreement amongst Stadium in the Illawarra, Hunter in Melbourne increased Victorian stakeholders that the current Stadium in Newcastle, and Gross State Product (GSP) by state of stadia provision in NSW Parramatta Stadium. Stadium around $1.6B over a 20 year is not sustainable and a strategy Australia is due to return to the period, delivering approximately is required to inform future NSW NSW Government at the end of half of the impact in the year Government investment. current contractual arrangements of the Games. The 2003 Rugby in 2031, and the head lease for the World Cup is estimated to have Sydney Showground Stadium is increased Australian Gross with the NSW Government (99 year Domestic Product (GDP) by lease with the Royal Agricultural $289M, with a $218M increase Society with an option for a further to NSW GSP. 99 years). Local governments own most other stadia.

8 | STADIA STRATEGY 2012 Stadium usage is mixed. Although The Sydney Football Stadium is many sporting teams play from their rectangular in configuration, the home stadium, some also use other Sydney Cricket Ground is oval and stadia. For example, the Stadium Australia is multi-purpose. St George Illawarra Dragons play National and international sporting home matches at both Jubilee Oval competitions and events are well in Kogarah and Wollongong Stadium served by these large stadia and and the Wests Tigers play home stakeholders have indicated that games out of three venues namely the individual capacity of these the Sydney Football Stadium, venues is sufficient to meet growth Campbelltown Sports Stadium in demand. However, there are and Leichhardt Oval. opportunities to further focus on transport connectivity, the surrounding entertainment precinct and contemporary standard facilities 2.3 C lassification of in future planning. existing stadia NSW Tier 2 Stadia Stadia can be classified into three ‘tiers’, based on their capacity, NSW has eleven Tier 2 facilities. Of facilities and nature of events. these, eight are in Greater Sydney, and the remaining three are in Newcastle, Wollongong and Gosford. STADIA All are rectangular in configuration CLASSIFICATION with the exception of the Sydney Showground Stadium which is oval. Tier 1 Sydney stadia classified as Tier 2 are: Seating capacity greater than 40,000; regularly host international • Brookvale Oval sporting events; offer extensive • Campbelltown Sports Stadium corporate facilities, including • Endeavour Field, Woolooware corporate suites, open-air corporate • Jubilee Oval, Kogarah boxes, and other function/dining • Leichhardt Oval facilities; may be the home ground • Penrith Stadium for sporting teams playing in • Parramatta Stadium national competitions. • Sydney Showground Stadium Tier 2 Regional NSW Tier 2 stadia are: Total capacity of between 20,000 • Central Coast Stadium and 40,000; some corporate • Hunter Stadium facilities; home grounds for • Wollongong Stadium Left sporting teams playing in national Sydney Showground Stadium competitions. Stakeholders have suggested that Sydney Olympic Park there are too many Tier 2 stadia in Tier 3 Greater Sydney, and the present Below Total capacity of at least 10,000; decentralised approach leads to Parramatta Eels vs limited or no corporate facilities; underutilisation of venues. Newcastle Knights capable of hosting exhibition or Parramatta Stadium pre-season matches for sporting There has been significant teams playing in national sporting investment across a range of Tier competitions. 2 stadia in recent years, however this has not been linked to a long term plan. In addition, owners and users have indicated that some NSW Tier 1 Stadia stadia need major upgrades before NSW has three Tier 1 stadia, all they can meet the expectations of located in Greater Sydney: spectators and sports organisations • Stadium Australia in terms of facilities and access. • Sydney Football Stadium • Sydney Cricket Ground © Venues NSW/Phil Carrick

STADIA STRATEGY 2012 | 9 NSW Tier 3 Stadia There are at least 26 Tier 3 facilities across NSW. Of these stadia over half are in Greater Sydney and are typically the home ground for second and third grade sporting teams.

LOCAL AND DISTRICT LEVEL FACILITIES

© SCG Trust/Hamilton Lund While the NSW Stadia Strategy cater for sporting clubs playing in does not focus on smaller district district or local level competitions Above and local level facilities with a with the Blacktown International 2006 A-League Final capacity of less than 10,000, Sportspark (Tier 3) catering Sydney Football Stadium it is noted that these facilities for events at regional, state or Far right perform an important role in national level. Hunter Stadium the wider spectrum of sporting Newcastle infrastructure across the state. Another is Coffs Harbour on the NSW north coast, a vibrant One example of the importance community with an estimated of these facilities, and their population of over 70,000. It interaction with larger stadia, is has 30 multi-purpose outdoor the Blacktown Local Government sporting facilities, including one Area. It is typical of a major urban Tier 3 stadia, the Coffs Harbour area with a range of outdoor International Stadium, with the multi-purpose sporting fields for remainder typically providing its estimated population of over district and local level facilities. 300,000 residents. The majority

10 | STADIA STRATEGY 2012 2.4 Benchmarking The high number of stadia in It has also been noted that NSW to other States NSW compared to other states Tier 1 stadia host a significantly lower can be illustrated by comparing number of regular sporting season When compared with other stadia capacity to population events than venues such as the states, NSW has a significantly (See Table 1). MCG and Docklands Stadium higher number of Tier 2 stadia. in Melbourne. In Melbourne two stadia host a NSW has the highest stadia total of nine AFL clubs, with the provision per capita in mainland Geelong Cats remaining at Australia. NSW stadia provision Geelong’s Kardinia Park. In per capita is estimated at 5.7% comparison nine Sydney stadia compared to 3.8% in Victoria host nine NRL home teams. and Queensland.

Table 1: State stadia comparison - Post redevelopment of Adelaide Oval and Perth Major Stadium

NSW VIC QLD SA WA TOTAL International Oval 1 1 1 1 0 4 Level Rectangular 1 0 1 0 0 2 Stadia Tier 1 Multi 1 1 0 0 1 3 Capacity 173,771 156,347 94,500 51,500 60,000 536,118 National Oval 1 1 1 0 1 4 Level Rectangular 10 1 2 1 1 15 Stadia Tier 2 Multi 0 0 0 0 0 0 Capacity 242,489 57,050 78,900 16,500 40,000 434,939 National AFL 2 10 2 2 2 18 Sporting NRL 10 1 3 0 0 14 Franchises A-League 4 2 1 1 1 9 Super15 1 1 1 0 1 4 Cricket 3 3 2 2 2 12 Total Franchises 20 17 9 5 6 57

Total Stadia 14 4 5 2 3 28

Total Capacity 416,260 213,397 173,400 68,000 100,000 971,057

State Population* 7,287,600 5,605,600 4,561,700 1,654,200 2,331,500 21,440,600

Capacity % Population 5.7% 3.8% 3.8% 4.1% 4.3% 4.5% *Estimated resident population at March Quarter 2011, ABS Catalogue 3101.0

12 | STADIA STRATEGY 2012 2.5 Stadia Strategy 2.6 M odels for the design principles Stadia Strategy The development of the NSW Stadia Two options were considered in Strategy has also been informed developing the strategy: by the following design principles • Do nothing that ideally Tier 1 and Tier 2 stadia • A ‘hub/precinct’ stadia model should meet: Do nothing 1 Multi-tenant, multi-use: all stadia Analysis of current stadia provision should host the majority of home and consideration of stakeholder matches for at least two national comments make it clear that ‘doing sporting teams. nothing’ is not a sustainable model 2 Utilisation: greater use of for NSW. Concerns have been raised Tier 1 stadia will be prioritised. about current stadia provision and The aim will be to have an use including: increased number of sport or • Having a large number of entertainment event days held at stadia means costs are spread stadia included in the strategy. across a large number of venues and it is difficult to find 3 Capacity: seating capacity the money to maintain all to should be sufficient to meet contemporary standards; current and short to medium term requirements. Tier 2 stadia • Venues will continue to age should have the capacity to impacting on venue quality for expand to accommodate teams and spectators; future demand. • Low usage rates result in poor financial returns which in turn 4 Quality of facilities: all stadia limits the funds available for should meet the current maintenance. It also does not requirements of key hirers and, provide the best financial or through continued investment, community benefit return for the have the potential to meet NSW Government when requests future requirements, including for funding are being considered; facilities for players, media and broadcasting. • Maintaining and improving stadia presents a challenge for 5 Transport connectivity: all local governments that face stadia should have good public competing requests for funding; transport access and appropriate • Requests for NSW Government parking capacity. funding to upgrade facilities 6 Entertainment precinct: are likely to increase as Left stadia should be surrounded venues age and competition ANZ Stadium by a vibrant entertainment for events increases; Sydney Olympic Park precinct to enhance the match • There has not been a clear Below day experience. strategy in place to guide ARL Test Match NSW Government stadia Hunter Stadium planning and investment.

The hub/precinct model A model generally regarded as leading practice for stadia provision comprises a small number of high quality, centrally located and adequately sized stadia with good transport access and a surrounding entertainment precinct, creating a quality spectator experience and © Venues NSW/Arrow Photography

STADIA STRATEGY 2012 | 13 year-round use. This hub/precinct The review found that key elements model is used in Victoria. of the Victorian model can be tailored to develop a “hybrid” These stadia are supported by model that suits the environment smaller decentralised venues in NSW. This acknowledges that that provide dedicated elite there are differences between the training facilities and allow for two states. For example, Sydney’s the intersection of elite sport population is far more spread out and community use. than Melbourne’s, with on average 323 residents per square kilometre THE VICTORIAN compared to 478. © SCG Trust/Hamilton Lund HUB/PRECINCT In addition it is important that the Above MODEL population centres of Wollongong, Sydney Swans vs Hawthorn Newcastle and Western Sydney Since the late 1980s, Victoria has Sydney Cricket Ground are appropriately considered in a worked towards a ‘hub’ model NSW strategy. Right of stadia provision to improve Wollongong Stadium spectator experience, increase For NSW this means a more attendance, and provide better decentralised approach to stadia financial returns. As a result, the provision while retaining a workable AFL moved games away from number of stadia. This hybrid the traditional home grounds of approach provides an opportunity Melbourne teams to the state’s to enjoy the benefits of the hub/ two Tier 1 stadia – the MCG precinct model in a way that is and Docklands Stadium. With tailored to the needs of NSW. good public transport links, facilities of a high standard, and numerous post-match entertainment options, attendance has significantly increased. AFL membership increased to over 600,000 compared to 90,000 in the mid 1980’s VFL competition (which expanded to become the AFL in 1990).

Docklands Stadium is the home stadium for AFL clubs Carlton, North Melbourne, St Kilda, Essendon and Western Bulldogs and the Melbourne Renegades (T20 Cricket). The MCG is the home of AFL clubs Hawthorn, Richmond, Collingwood and Melbourne, as well as the Victorian Bushrangers cricket team and the Melbourne Stars (T20 Cricket). A recently developed Tier 2 stadium, the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, is home to the Melbourne Storm (NRL), Melbourne Victory and Heart teams (A-League) and the Melbourne Rebels team (Super 15). The other Tier 2 stadium providing a home ground for a national sporting team is Kardinia Park, home to the Geelong Football Club (AFL).

14 | STADIA STRATEGY 2012 3 THE NSW STADIA STRATEGY

3.1 The Strategy The inclusion of the Sydney Stadium (both Tier 2) service Showground Stadium reflects large populations and have also The NSW Stadia Strategy focuses the Government’s commitment received significant investment future NSW Government investment to the Sydney Olympic Park hub over the last five years. on NSW Government venues, and recognises that it is the only including those that will return to Western Sydney medium-sized oval venue in NSW. government or have a head lease In addition, the strategy includes with the NSW Government. Sydney Cricket Ground and another Tier 2 stadium in Western Sydney Football Stadium Sydney. Further consideration of the The strategy includes seven This hub has been hosting a wealth options for this stadium is required stadia, comprising three Tier 1 and could include redeveloping an of sport and entertainment for and four Tier 2 venues, in two existing stadium or developing a over 150 years. It is located close international sporting hubs and new stadium in a strategic location. other venues in the population to the central business district and centres of Wollongong, Newcastle is adjacent to the bars, restaurants, and Western Sydney. cinemas and shops of the Seven GOVERNMENT Entertainment Quarter. OWNED OR LEASED STADIA Sydney Olympic Park INCLUDED IN THE STRATEGY The Sydney Cricket Ground and Sydney Olympic Park has been Sydney Football Stadium are both • Sydney Cricket Ground developed into an important Tier 1 stadia. home of sport and entertainment. • Sydney Football Stadium The precinct is part of the Regional NSW • Stadium Australia Olympic legacy and is located The Government recognises • Sydney Showground Stadium in the geographic centre of Sydney. that stadia with substantial • Hunter Stadium The Sydney Olympic Park hub capacity are required to service • Wollongong Stadium includes two stadia – Stadium the major regional centres in • Western Sydney – either a Australia (Tier 1) and the Sydney Newcastle and Wollongong. redevelopment of an existing Showground Stadium (Tier 2). Hunter Stadium and Wollongong stadium or a new stadium

STADIA STRATEGY 2012 | 15 3.3 Supporting As stadia age without major WESTERN SYDNEY community capital redevelopments, they facilities increasingly will not meet spectator Population growth projections and player expectations. indicate that Western Sydney By establishing the NSW Stadia Sporting organisations consulted and particularly South-Western Strategy, the NSW Government agree that NSW has too many Sydney are the key growth areas will ensure that future capital within Greater Sydney. By 2036 investment is strategic and delivers small, under-equipped stadia. 51% of the city’s population will the best outcomes for NSW. However, it is acknowledged be in Western Sydney. This strategy recognises that given that for some spectators, seeing their team play on Looking to the future, the NSW the large number of Tier 2 stadia, it their current home ground Stadia Strategy proposes further is challenging to maintain current will always be more important consideration of options to stadia at the level required to host increase capacity in Western elite competition. than up-to-date facilities. Sydney to meet future demand. BELMORE SPORTS GROUND AND THE BULLDOGS

Located in the City of Canterbury, reciprocal rights to away games 3.2 what the NSW Belmore Sports Ground had a with other teams at their stadium. Stadia Strategy capacity of 25,000, including In 2010, federal, state and local delivers 9,000 seats, and had been the government funding enabled Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs The strategy provides for the the Bulldogs to redevelop Rugby League Club’s home concentration of national and Belmore Sports Ground to ground since 1935. However, to international games into a provide an elite training facility play at a stadium with improved smaller number of Tier 1 and Tier and administration centre. In so facilities and to increase 2 stadia (seven rather than 14), doing, capacity was reduced membership, the Bulldogs leading to higher utilisation rates, and local access was significantly decided to move home matches increased efficiencies, and more increased. Belmore Sports to Stadium Australia following focused investment. Analysis Ground is both an elite and the end of the 1998 season. shows that these seven stadia can community sporting hub, with The result has been increased accommodate all national sporting a busy event calendar including attendances (an average of organisations and regular season Bulldogs pre-season and training 17,600 compared to 10,700 in event days and also meet current matches, home matches for the the last 9 years at Belmore), projected growth. Sydney Olympic Football Club, better facilities for players second tier Bulldogs matches, The strategy provides an and spectators and improved junior Bulldogs representative opportunity to deliver: revenue. Playing at a larger training and matches, local • A more focussed approach venue provides opportunities to rugby league grand finals and to NSW Government increase revenue by, for example, a range of other community investment to improve facilities, offering memberships with based activities. transport access and develop entertainment precincts; BULLDOGS AVERAGE REGULAR SEASON ATTENDANCE • Increased utilisation which will improve financial and community returns; 25,000 • Provision for all NSW sporting organisations; 20,000 • Improved venues for players and spectators; 15,000 • Better coordination of event days across NSW; and 10,000 • Investment targeted to improve 5,000 the competitiveness of NSW. 1991 2011 1997 1992 1993 1995 1998 1999 1996 1994 1990 2010 2001 2007 2002 2003 2005 2008 2009 2006 2004 2000

16 | STADIA STRATEGY 2012 © South Sydney Rabbitohs 3.4 TIER 2 STADIA The strategy foresees continuing NOT INCLUDED discussion with stadium IN THE STRATEGY owners, operators, and sporting organisations, about the future While the Stadia Strategy aims to direction of their grounds. At present, prioritise capital investment into the experience of Victoria, Redfern a targeted number of NSW Oval and Belmore Sports Ground, Government venues, it also seeks indicates that a policy of moving to maximise community and multi- games away from smaller, suburban purpose use. For example, Tier 2 venues to venues with better facilities venues that fall outside the strategy, and good transport will be of longer- could be given a new life as elite term benefit to sporting codes, training facilities and used to teams and fans. host lower drawing professional games, pre-season matches, junior competitions and community events.

Belmore Sports Ground and Redfern REDFERN OVAL AND Oval provide case studies of how THE RABBITOHS a venue can be redeveloped to One of Australia’s oldest rugby maintain the link between elite sport league clubs, the South Sydney and community engagement. Rabbitohs, played home matches The strategy proposes that the at Redfern Oval from 1948 – 1987. NSW Government work with local Since this time the Rabbitohs have played home games at government and private operators the Sydney Football Stadium to explore ways to provide increased and Stadium Australia, both community access. A range of Tier 1 stadia. The Rabbitohs Above options to be considered for these have experienced an increase in Redfern Oval stadia include: membership numbers, with total Below • Becoming training grounds and membership at 20,181 in 2011. The Members Pavilion administration centres for their Redfern Oval has been Sydney Cricket Ground ‘home’ teams; redeveloped to provide training • Hosting exhibition events; facilities for the club, including a • Hosting pre-season events; new grandstand and state of the • Providing playing fields for art playing field. The sports field junior games surrounds are accessible to the public and the field is available • Providing sports facilities for local for hire by local community communities and schools; and sports teams and organisations. • Replacing turf with all weather The Redfern Oval redevelopment synthetic playing surfaces to was funded by the City of enable greater usage over an Sydney Council. extended period of time. © SCG Trust/Hamilton Lund

STADIA STRATEGY 2012 | 17 4 ACTION PLAN

With the release of the NSW Stadia Strategy, focus turns to implementation of the strategy and undertaking more detailed work regarding community sport and recreation facilities. © Venues NSW/Phil Carrick This work will include: Above • Communicating the outcomes Parramatta Stadium of the strategy; Right • Continuing discussions with ANZ Stadium sporting bodies regarding stadia Sydney Olympic Park provision, facilities and future Back Page match scheduling; Wollongong Stadium • Developing or updating master plans for Tier 1 stadia and their precincts covering transport, integrated ticketing, spectator experience, facilities for players, media and corporates and restaurant and entertainment provision; • Developing or updating master plans for Tier 2 stadia and their precincts, again looking at transport, spectator experience and facilities; • Considering options for the Tier 2 stadium in Western Sydney to meet future demand; • Talking to the community and to local government about what role they see for the multi-use Tier 2 stadia that fall outside the stadia identified in this strategy; • Undertaking more detailed work regarding community sport and recreation facilities in NSW.