Warren a tale of political bungling

SOUTH Darwin Sporting League chair Martin Kelly believes if not for political rambling, the proposed Warren Park stadium would be a reality.

After the then-NTRL abandoned Richardson Park in 2014, it has taken more than three years for designs of the $25 million Warren Park venture, the crown lease of which is owned by SDSL, to reach public consultation.

As early as 2012, all NTRL club presidents had recommended a move away from Richardson Park to Marrara, according to a document obtained to the NT News.

Kelly said if both sides of politics had worked at a more collaborative level, rather than opposing what was best by engaging with the public, the proposed Warren Park stadium could already be in use.

“The concept of a three-field arrangement was first touted to South Darwin Sporting League under heads of agreement with the former NTRL.

“For whatever reason, between governments not co-operating with one another, it was backtracked. Then it went back to Richardson Park and now we are at this stage,” Kelly said.

In 2014, then NTRL boss John Mitchell said he hoped Warren Park could become the new home of Top End rugby league as early as 2015.

Despite this, the then CLP government announced in May of that year that they would instead fund a $20 million upgrade for Richardson Park.

NTRL then shifted their focus back to redeveloping the Ludmilla venue, despite Labor, then in opposition, releasing an alternative plan for Marrara.

Kelly said the NRL could have weighed into the development at critical stages, by voicing a clear commitment and contributing with a unified voice – something he said had been lacking until now.

“All during that process, it’s public funds down the drain. We’re on the doorstep of the (rugby league) World Cup and possibly if governments had worked at a more collaborative level … we might have been hosting the World Cup game here (Warren Park),” he said.

Last November, the newlyappointed Labor government made good on its pre-election promise and fast-tracked $25 million to Warren Park.

Kelly said the Warren Park development story was littered with lessons for Territory sporting bodies and both sides of government.

“With the level of funding this type of development brings, you need leadership from decision makers and a unified approach on the outcome. Appropriate community consultation sits between the middle of these two things,” he said.