The red and green ban, placed on the ground in May 2005, was lifted
today by CFMEU NSW Secretary Andrew Ferguson, with the path now cleared
for the new training and community facilities to be built in its place,
due for completion by March 2008.
“The CFMEU placed the red and green ban on Redfern Oval following
requests from concerned residents, community organisations and sporting
groups to ensure the proposed redevelopment provided the best possible
outcomes for all local people,” Mr Ferguson said. “We have assisted in
facilitating a win-win result which will provide a long term future for
junior sport and the South Sydney Rabbitohs while also providing
quality open space for local residents. Following consultation with the
community we are now happy to lift the red and green ban to allow the
planned redevelopment of Redfern Oval to commence.”
South Sydney Rabbitohs Executive Chairman Peter Holmes à Court is
delighted to have the red and green ban lifted, allowing the Council to
begin the work required to have the Rabbitohs training again in their
spiritual home.
“All South Sydney supporters recognise Redfern Oval to be our
rightful home, and to have the City Council invest $19.5 million into
providing the community with a first-class facility that will be used
by our athletes, shows what can be done when three organisations can
work together as one,” Mr Holmes à Court said. “We have worked hard
with both the Council and the CFMEU to reach this point and we thank
all of the parties involved for the work they have put in to make it
happen. We look forward to beginning our tenancy at the newly developed
Redfern Park in March 2008.”