Perrottet reneges on funding suburban grounds to roll out the pork barrel for Stuart Ayres

Wednesday 3 August 2022

Despite numerous commitments to fund suburban sports grounds, Dominic Perrottet has opted instead to spend upward of $300 million to build Penrith Stadium in an attempt to try and save the marginal seat of embattled former Minister Stuart Ayres.

The rebuilt Penrith Stadium will host the Penrith Panthers to play 11 games a year while the once again neglected Leichhardt Oval hosts more than 50 games a year across various codes including NRL, NRLW, A-League Soccer, Women’s A-League, Super Rugby, Shute Shield Rugby, Schoolboy Rugby, Junior Rugby League and various other community sporting organisations.

Inner West Mayor, Darcy Byrne said, “Dominic Perrottet is happy to spend $300 million in Stuart Ayres seat, to build a shiny, new Panthers Stadium for the exclusive use of one club. But the Wests Tigers, and all of the other senior and junior, men’s and women’s Rugby League, Soccer and Rugby Union teams who regularly use Leichhardt Oval get nothing.

“I call on Mr Perrottet to explain why this shocking pork-barrelling continues while most footy fans across Sydney get dudded?

“If Dom Perrottet is brave enough to leave the corporate box and come on to the Wayne Pearce Hill at the Tigers next home game, he’s going to get a very frosty reception from the fans.”

Inner West Deputy Mayor, Jessica D’Arienzo said, “We are not looking to build a brand-new stadium, we are simply asking for some help to provide decent facilities for the fans and athletes who use Leichhardt Oval.

“With a fraction of what’s been earmarked for Stuart Ayres’ seat, we can build an upgraded and expanded grandstand, decent catering and toilet facilities for patrons and female-friendly dressing rooms while preserving the heritage Wayne Pearce Hill and Keith Barnes Grandstand.”

For further media enquiries please contact Jonny Browne at Jonny.Browne@innerwest.nsw.gov.au