Cricket Disappointed At Misleading Claims
THE Tasmanian Cricket Association’s (TCA) is disappointed that opponents of its application to expand the public use of facilities at Bellerive Oval have attempted to mislead the community over the organisation’s plans. An opposing group circulated a letter claiming that the TCA was planning to host regular rock concerts and was looking to assume the adjacent Bellerive Beach Park.

TCA chief executive David Johnston said it was disappointing that some opponents of the Association’s proposal had attempted to use incorrect information and false claims in an attempt to encourage residents to oppose the planning application.

He said the TCA had invested more than $30 million in developing a public facility of international standard at Bellerive. It was now seeking increase the community use of the facility through a relaxation of the restrictions imposed when development approval was granted in 2000.

The current restrictions mean that Bellerive Oval has been unable to host events such as the Eastern Shore’s Carols by Candlelight and the RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk, as well as community meetings and even Clarence Council receptions not associated with a sporting event.

“Despite the claims of opponents, the TCA has no plans to host rock concerts at Bellerive, nor turn the oval into an ‘entertainment venue’ and there a number of conditions proposed under the amendments that will protect the community,” Mr Johnston said.

“Further, the TCA’s proposals DO NOT ‘include the Bellerive Beach Park and the play equipment area all the way to high tide.’ We cannot and will not encroach the boundaries of the oval and we are only interested in increasing the use of the facilities within our boundary.”

Mr Johnston said it was of concern that opponents of Bellerive Oval would seek to distort the facts and mislead the community regarding the TCA’s intentions.

Bellerive Oval is not unique as an international cricket venue. The Gabba ground in Brisbane is located in a residential area and with transport and parking provisions similar to those developed for Bellerive, and is able to function with few problems. Both the SCG and MCG grounds also have residents living nearby and host substantially more people on more occasions at sporting and other events than Bellerive Oval.

“The TCA remains committed to consult with its neighbours and keep residents informed of its plans.

“We are always happy to give people the facts and counter the misleading information that is sometimes used in an attempt to damage our position,” Mr Johnston said.
» No Comments
There are no comments up to now.
» Post Comment
Email (will not be published)
Name
Title
Comment
 remaining characters
 

Copyright 2007 Corporate Communications (Tas) Pty Ltd publishers of Eastern Shore Sun.

Independent news and commentary on community issues and events, business profiles and sport.

Editor: Ingrid Harrison
Publisher: Corporate Communications (Tas) Ltd
Writers: Ingrid Harrison (editor), Beverley Brill, Heather Butler

GPO Box 1600 Hobart Tasmania Australia 7001
Ph: +61 3 6210 5201

Website design and hosting BriteSpark

Joomla! Template Design by JoomlaShack