These solutions,said SOPA chief executive Charles Moore,could accommodate the Gunners,but also “assist with the provision of green space for both passive and active recreation for the growing community of the Olympic peninsula.”
Mr Moore,who also said community sporting facilities were council responsibilities,declined to say what those alternatives might be.
After Sports Minister Stuart Ayres,who is also the Minister for Olympic Park,announced Wilson Park would be converted into the cricketing facility this week,local Labor and Liberal councillors criticised a lack of consultation.
“It’s a travesty to displace a local soccer club that's volunteer based and helping children,” said Parramatta Liberal councillor,Steven Issa.
“I'm not saying we don't want the cricket centre,it’s a good thing for the region and for cricket itself,” said Cr Issa. “But I think the government could have consulted a little bit better and ensured the club had a clear view on where they were going.”
The move intersects with the controversial – and impending – demolition of Allianz Stadium at Moore Park. That project will require the destruction of Cricket NSW facilities at Moore Park.
Labor’s sports spokeswoman,Lynda Voltz,pointed out the $730 million new stadium at Moore Park would be funded by the taxpayer,but the government’s $30 million contribution to the Wilson Park cricket centre would come from land sales at Olympic Park.
“The government won't put its hand in the pocket for facilities in western Sydney,but if it’s being built in the eastern suburbs or on SCG Trust land there seems to be no end to their generosity,"Ms Voltz said.
Cricket NSW chief executive Andrew Jones said his organisation had been in discussion about Wilson Park for at least two years.
“We have been out of space at the SCG for quite some time,” said Mr Jones,whose organisation is coming up with the remaining $20 million for the facilities.
“This is good news,not bad news,” he said.
“This is a landmark development for cricket which will benefit cricketers of all levels all over NSW and especially local clubs and players.”
Parramatta Labor councillor Donna Davis said she was not opposed to improved cricket facilities,but that there had been no consultation.
“There are so many different things that the $30 million could be spent on,” Cr Davis said of the government's promised funding.