Published Tuesday, 16 September, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
BLIGH SAVES MARLEY BROWN
Premier Anna Bligh has secured Gladstone’s embattled Marley Brown Oval.
“Marley Brown is a significant and treasured facility in the Harbour City and we’re going to keep it,” said Ms Bligh.
“The Gladstone Ports Corporation has been working behind the scenes with its coal customers to ensure this facility is preserved.
“In the interests of preserving this facility I wrote to the Corporation requesting that it allocate $1 million towards the purchase of Marley Brown Oval.
“That proposal was contingent on the remaining necessary contribution required be sourced from its major clients.
“I understand they (BMA Coal, Ensham Resources, Felix Resources, Jellinbah Resources, Peabody Energy, Wesfarmers Coal and Xstrata Coal Australia) have put in a collective $2 million to get the necessary $3 million to secure the Oval.
“I appreciate that this is an ask, but we are most appreciative of their efforts – as I’m sure are Gladstone’s sports followers.
“The Corporation has been the city’s envied civic leader for decades and this is another example of it backing Gladstone and using its influence to leverage a lasting outcome.
The Premier required another long-term protection be in place.
“I have told the Corporation that in ensuring the facility’s long-term future all must be aware it is conditional for the land to be held in perpetuity for the sole purpose of sporting and recreational usage.
“It is my understanding that the Corporation has received an undertaking from the Gladstone Regional Council to take on the administration of the Sporting venue. I applaud the Council for this undertaking.”
“It secures the Oval and means one of the city’s great gathering places will be retained.
“Corporation Chairman Ian Brusasco AM, CEO Leo Zussino and the Corporation and the coal producers and the Gladstone Regional Council have combined to deliver a wonderful community outcome,” she said.
“Well done to them all,” said the Premier.
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
“Marley Brown is a significant and treasured facility in the Harbour City and we’re going to keep it,” said Ms Bligh.
“The Gladstone Ports Corporation has been working behind the scenes with its coal customers to ensure this facility is preserved.
“In the interests of preserving this facility I wrote to the Corporation requesting that it allocate $1 million towards the purchase of Marley Brown Oval.
“That proposal was contingent on the remaining necessary contribution required be sourced from its major clients.
“I understand they (BMA Coal, Ensham Resources, Felix Resources, Jellinbah Resources, Peabody Energy, Wesfarmers Coal and Xstrata Coal Australia) have put in a collective $2 million to get the necessary $3 million to secure the Oval.
“I appreciate that this is an ask, but we are most appreciative of their efforts – as I’m sure are Gladstone’s sports followers.
“The Corporation has been the city’s envied civic leader for decades and this is another example of it backing Gladstone and using its influence to leverage a lasting outcome.
The Premier required another long-term protection be in place.
“I have told the Corporation that in ensuring the facility’s long-term future all must be aware it is conditional for the land to be held in perpetuity for the sole purpose of sporting and recreational usage.
“It is my understanding that the Corporation has received an undertaking from the Gladstone Regional Council to take on the administration of the Sporting venue. I applaud the Council for this undertaking.”
“It secures the Oval and means one of the city’s great gathering places will be retained.
“Corporation Chairman Ian Brusasco AM, CEO Leo Zussino and the Corporation and the coal producers and the Gladstone Regional Council have combined to deliver a wonderful community outcome,” she said.
“Well done to them all,” said the Premier.
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500