Goulburn stadium proposed for CBD location

That’s Goulburn Mulwaree Council’s vision for the high class sports stadium, first proposed by council general manager Warwick Bennett in November last year.

The stadium would utilise the existing Prell Oval (opposite Goulburn High School and the hospital) and it is hoped, in conjunction with the proposed adventure park, it would help transform Victoria Park into an exciting CBD precinct.

“It would be a truly magnificent benefit to Goulburn,” Mr Bennett said.

“An oval precinct has a better ability to attract a greater variety of sports and events, particularly cricket. And we can still keep the proximity of a good regional town stadium.”

At an estimated $8-9 million, it would cost less than a proposed Carr-Confoy sports precinct as previously envisaged.

Mr Bennett outlined there would be no need for flood protection, unlike Carr- Confoy, and the existing Prell Oval infrastructure presented greater opportunity.

But it’s Prell’s central location next to the CBD that was the big draw card.

“It’s financially affordable, council can afford it, we just need to start the conversation with the community about if this is the right asset for the city and is this the right location,” Mr Bennett said.

Costs for the proposed stadium will be funded from the proceeds from the sale of the airport two-years ago. The remaining costs would come from a state government subsidised loan scheme.

It would feature a grandstand capable of seating 1500-2000 people with a raised embankment for a total capacity of 10,000 – 12,000.

The facility would help attract possible NRL, rugby and soccer matches. An oval shape would also mean cricket and AFL fixtures wouldn’t be out of the picture either.

It is hoped planning and designing will be complete for construction in 2017.

Construction of the facility would then be complete within a year.

But right now Mr Bennett wants to hear what Goulburn thinks.

“We want the community to tell us what they really think, we want them to talk to us, is this the right location for it, if it’s not give us reasons why,” he said.

“We don’t want people coming saying this is a ridiculous idea, we want to have an adult conversation and look at the terms of what is best for the city. That’s the most important part of this. What is right for a modern day regional city of Australia, to become the complete city where people want to come, people want to work, people want to play and people want to invest.”

Mayor Geoff Kettle agrees that the most important thing was community involvement.

“We are going to establish a Working Party of community members, who will work with the Council to answer these questions and make firm recommendations,” he said.

“We have always stated that Working Parties should be given meaningful tasks. To assess the need for a stadium and where it should be located is an enormous responsibility.”