SA government statement

SOUTH Australian Premier Mike Rann and Treasurer Kevin Foley today welcomed an historic agreement by the SA Cricket Association and the SA National Football League to work together to have AFL matches and first class cricket played at a redeveloped 50,000-seat Adelaide Oval.

The SACA, the SANFL and the AFL have signed an agreement that sees the creation of a new structure to oversee the project and the running of the new stadium.

Premier Rann says the agreement is the first major step in bringing AFL to Adelaide Oval and redeveloping the ground as one of the world's truly unique sporting venues in the heart of our city.

Under the agreement signed three weeks ago, two working parties will be formed to examine the detailed financial requirements of the redevelopment and to scope, plan, design and to put the project out to tender.

"Those working parties will also need to consult widely, including the Adelaide City Council and local businesses, to take into account and resolve local community issues," Mr Rann said.

"The state government is seeking a legally binding agreement for the Adelaide Oval site from both SACA and SANFL by 1 July, 2010."

Mr Rann said that in the meantime, the state government will pursue financial assistance from the Commonwealth of up to $100 million to assist it in meeting its in-principle commitment to backing in this project with up to $450 million.

"My position has always been clear. I said that when the sporting bodies signed off an agreement to co-locate at Adelaide Oval, then we would sit down and work out how we can help make the redevelopment of the oval happen," Mr Rann said.

"We are prepared to make this significant investment in the state's bests interests, but if any of the parties walk away from the deal this money is off the table for good.

"The deputy premier had been informally working with both codes to encourage them to co-operate in exploring the advantages of reaching an agreement. 

"As a result, for the first time in more than 35 years, we have our two peak sporting bodies working together again.

"Now the government will join them in working towards delivering a world class sporting and entertainment venue in the centre of Adelaide at an iconic ground loved by sports fans here, interstate and internationally."

Mr Rann says the century-old scoreboard and the grass hill beneath the Moreton Bay fig trees at the cathedral end will remain in the redeveloped oval, thus creating one of the world's truly unique sporting venues.

"Once all outstanding issues have been resolved, the redeveloped Adelaide Oval will continue to be the home of domestic and international cricket in South Australia and will host Adelaide's two AFL teams, Adelaide and Port Adelaide, as well as a range of other sporting and entertainment events."

Treasurer Kevin Foley says the state government will fund its investment in the project by delaying the $200 million West Lakes tram extension project and reallocating the money to the oval. The extension to Port Adelaide and Semaphore will proceed on schedule.

"We will also transfer the previously-announced $100 million AAMI Stadium grant to the Adelaide Oval.

"The remainder of up to $150 million (depending on the Commonwealth contribution) will be funded from future state budgets."

Mr Foley says part of the redevelopment will include a pedestrian bridge across the Torrens to link the oval with the railway station and adjacent North Terrace tram stop as well parking facilities in the west end of the city. The bridge has been costed at $20 million.

"The bridge enables patrons travelling either on our fast, electrified rail lines or trams to access the oval easily. Those travelling by car will have access to parking alongside Adelaide Oval as is currently the case for the Test matches, or, in the range of parking stations already available in the CBD.

"It was clear during my discussions with cricket and football that both codes needed to reach agreement to guarantee the long term future of their sports. 

"We can all now move forward to give our sports fans what they want; first class cricket and football at a much-loved ground with 21st century patron facilities."

Premier Rann says the redeveloped Adelaide Oval is likely to be the first stage in a major redevelopment of the east bank of the Torrens.

"The Economic Development Board has been working through a range of options for the left bank of the Torrens including a redeveloped Convention Centre precinct, restaurants, shops and arts space.

"That work will continue with more detail being provided in the coming months."