Response to Balmain Leagues Club fire

Sunday 8 May 2022

From Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne

The large fire at Balmain Leagues Club yesterday was no surprise. We have repeatedly and publicly called on the NSW Government to allow this building to be demolished because of the fire and safety threat there.

 They must finally do so now.

Since September 2020 the owners of the site have been unable to proceed with their development, which was approved by a State Government appointed panel, and includes a new Wests Tigers Leagues Club.

The NSW Government says that they are, instead, going to compulsorily acquire the property to use it as a massive tunnelling site for their Western Harbour Tunnel.

But for two years they have not acted while refusing to allow the owner to demolish the building.

The Transport Minister and the Premier must now stop the delays and immediately allow this hazardous eyesore to be demolished and the site made safe.

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