Cattery may face big cash shortfall

A FULLY redeveloped Kardinia Park is at risk of falling short of the promised 40,000 capacity unless millions of dollars are found to complete the final stage.

Geelong Cats officials have turned to the Federal Government for funding support as they seeking the final $35 million for the $137 million project. While the grandstand is not in jeopardy, it would need to be scaled back to a $102 million build — the total committed by the State Government last year — if no extra funding comes in the coming months.

The Cats recently sent a strong delegation to Canberra to outline their case and would also consider tipping in their own money to help bridge the shortfall.

“That [FedCats function in the ACT] was I think the first night we publicly indicated that we were short on budget,” Geelong chief executive Brian Cook said.

“We met with several, to a dozen, important people on that day and that night.

“We’re just hoping that the Federal Government has a serious look at this and decides to fund it down the track. But it can’t be too late down the track. It’s important for us.”

The Cats had been promised an additional $20 million by federal Labor in the lead-up to the Australian election in May, but missed out on that cash when the Coalition retained power.

Stage-five works, which will finish the stadium rebuild that started in 2003, are due to start in early November next year, immediately after the ICC T20 World Cup. The project will complete the “stadium bowl”, joining the Brownlow and Reg Hickey stands with a 14,000 two-tier northern stand that replaces the Ford Stand and Ablett Terrace.

It will also include an entry plaza for spectators arriving from South Geelong station and Geelong CBD, as well as a significant boost in unisex changerooms and facilities.

With an 18-month build time, loose timelines suggest it would be finished by May, 2022 at the earliest. The aim is to have only one fully compromised AFL season.

But the scope and scale of the new stand — such as its capacity or features — will reduce if more money is not pledged. The State Government may also consider upping its contribution.