Tony Abbott matches Labor commitment on Brookvale Oval
CHARIS CHANG MANLY DAILY AUGUST 19, 2013 3:08PM
Tony Abbott is denying Labor a free kick on his own turf.
Following a $10 million commitment from Labor for the upgrade of Fortress Brookie, the Opposition Leader is now spruiking his own election promise.
Mr Abbott visited Brookvale Oval on Sunday to announce a Coalition government, if elected, would provide $10 million.
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles co-patron Kerry Sibraa said the money would now be provided regardless of who won the election.
However, the club will need to find another $20 million to deliver the upgrade.
Mr Abbott's announcement follows Deputy Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit earlier this month when he also promised $10 million to build a new covered grandstand.
At the time Mr Albanese was careful not to call it an election commitment and said Labor's funding was included in the Budget in May.
This was put in doubt after his visit, when a spokesman for Sports Minister Don Farrell admitted that a funding agreement had not yet been signed with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.
The spokesman said Mr Abbott could also chose not to honour any agreement.
Mr Abbott has now put an end to any uncertainty, promising to deliver $10 million if he is elected.
But he was critical of Labor's commitment.
"At this election, only hours after going into the caretaker period, Labor announced support for the upgrade. However, no contract had been signed," he said.
"If Labor were serious about upgrading Brookvale Oval, they would have delivered during the past six years and would have signed a contract before the start of the caretaker period."
Prior to Sunday's announcement, Mr Abbott had not promised specific funding for Brookie but had indicated he supported the upgrade and Labor's funding.
The Warringah MP previously promised funds to the oval in 2007 and 2010.
Labor candidate for Warringah, Jules Zanetti said it was good to see Mr Abbott "stump up" after almost 20 years as the local MP.
"The Brookvale Park upgrade is included in the Budget," Mr Zanetti said.
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