In fact, the stadium at Redfern Park
does not benefit the entire community, just a small part of it.
A large number of local residents signed a petition opposing
the development, and a strong argument that the oval should be returned to
passive open park space was rejected, largely under the influence and lobbying
of vested interest groups who have a commercial interest in the site.
Open space in the Redfern-Waterloo area is only 5.9 sq m per
person, against a city average of 6.6 sq m, and significantly less than that
recommended by the EPA of 28.3 sq m per person:
Previous management of the park included a long-term lease
to Souths at $1 per year, which excluded large sections of the local community
from accessing the space.
Most of the users of the oval during this time actually came
from suburbs outside of Redfern and Waterloo.
One of the considered options, thankfully rejected by
council, was to provide underground parking for 1000 cars, seating for 20,000
and the commercial development and leasing of the park.
Current intentions are for the “park development”
to funded by ratepayers, fenced to keep residents out, and made available to
the Rabbitohs on a lease of up to 20 years, without a public tender being held.
Many residents, myself included, consider this art inappropriate use of a
publicly owned park and taxpayers’ money.
– PAUL DORRON, RedfernSource: Central of 12 March 2008