Eagles fans hit the roof
COUNCIL
22 FEB 11 @ 08:00PM BY BRENTON CHERRY
http://manly-daily.whereilive.com.au/news/story/eagles-fans-hit-the-roof/
WARRINGAH Council and the Manly Sea Eagles are at loggerheads over the $10 million upgrade of Brookvale Oval.
The club is seething that up to $2 million of the State Government’s $6 million contribution was spent replacing the roof of the Jane Try Stand.
It claimed the funding should have been put towards new facilities and not ground maintenance, which it argues is the responsibility of the council. Such is the club’s frustration it has even held talks with Manly Mayor Jean Hay about the possibility of shifting to Manly Oval, a proposition that has been howled down by fans of the Sea Eagles.
Warringah Council’s director of corporate services, John Warburton, confirmed the club had made an issue of the roof replacement.
“They [Sea Eagles] did question us about work on the roof but structural engineers had told us that, from a safety point of view, it had to be fixed, or it would pose a risk to spectators in coming years,†he said.
“We told them we would simply not skimp on safety.â€Â
Mr Warburton said to date $3.25 million had been spent refurbishing the Jane Try Stand with $3.5 million set aside to extend the stand by two bays, $1.7 million had been spent on a new corporate suite, $570,000 on flip-up seats with another $550,000 programmed for disability access improvements.
“I believe we’ve spent the money exactly as per State Government direction and we’ve worked closely with the Sea Eagles every step,†Mr Warburton said.
Warringah Mayor Michael Regan said he was disappointed by the comments from Sea Eagles chief executive Graham Lowe.
“What he is saying does not help their case,†he said.
WHAT YOU SAID
``No, no, no, no. At Brookvale since 1947. Brookie forever.’’ (Mark Bendall)
``The Sea Eagles should stay where they are. It sounds like Graham Lowe trying to get some action out of the council.’’ (Brett)
``Every other club has managed to get funding, we have to fight for everything. We have to stay at the fortress, Brookie For Ever. Wake up, councillors, and be proud to have a fantastic team like Manly.’’ (Gaynor)
``Manly Oval has no parking, proper seating, turnstiles, proper dressing-rooms. If you are going to spend so much money upgrading that dump, spend it upgrading our dump.’’ (Al)
Has Warringah Council done enough for Brookvale Oval?
DISPLAYING (1) COMMENTS
Diane
writes:
Posted on
22 Feb 11 at 10:41pm
The council should be spending their own money on maintenance to the roof of the Jane Try stand. If you are a landlord (which the council is in this case) and if the property you rent out needs maintenance the landlord has to pay for it not the tennant. Manly pay $350,000 rent per year, the landlord has to pay for maintenance. That money was given to Manly NOT the council so Brookie can be upgraded with better facilities not for general maintenance....Manly get screwed everytime by everyone! NOT HAPPY!!!!!!!!