So, did we tell the State Government we were re-developing?

[Cousin of Daicos]

Apparently not

COLLINGWOOD has pocketed $10 million in federal funds for a development at its Swan St home, but it hasn't told the landlord - an angry State Government.

The Federal Government revealed on Saturday it would contribute $10 million to a major revamp of Westpac Centre.
But Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust (MOPT), which controls the publicly owned land and recently agreed to extend Collingwood's lease by 21 years, knew nothing of the grant or the Magpies' detailed development plans until last week.

"The tenant has announced starting a renovation without approval from the landlord first," State Sports Minister Hugh Delahunty said last night.

"The Australian Government has not consulted with me leading up to this announcement, which is surprising as the precinct is owned by the State Government and managed by MOPT."


Mr Delahunty said he was "yet to see any further detail on what this $10 million contribution from the Australian Government will fund in this proposal".

"The Victorian Government and MOPT await further discussions with Collingwood Football Club and the Federal Government on the finer details of how the $10 million will be spent and how the new facilities will be utilised by the whole community," he said.

Collingwood announced its windfall as Essendon and North Melbourne expected to be denied crucial funds in today's State Budget.
The Bombers were seeking $4 million towards a new training and administration facility at Melbourne airport, and North's dream of creating a boutique stadium for matches in Ballarat appears all but dead.
Collingwood announced it would spend a staggering $36 million on the Westpac Centre (formerly Lexus Centre) precinct upgrade, with $11 million funded by the MOPT under a deal struck with the former Brumby state government.

That money is earmarked to transform Olympic Park into an MCG-sized training ground for Collingwood's exclusive use.

The Pies will spend as much of $10 million of their own money on an upgrade of Westpac Centre and up to $5 million contributing to a planned community centre - depending on the success of attempts to find additional funding partners.

The federal millions will go towards the community centre. The club said the complex was "designed to provide the community with access to elite training facilities and cater for a range of new events and programs".
MOPT chief executive Brian Morris said last night: "Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust has a commitment to provide Collingwood Football Club with facilities adjoining the Olympic Park training oval.

"These facilities include changerooms, public toilets and storage facilities.
"Collingwood Football Club placed a concept plan for an upgrade to these proposed facilities in front of the Trust at the end of 2010, to allow for greater community use.

"The federal support announced this week will now allow the Trust to enter into further discussions with Collingwood to understand the community-use aspect of this proposal."

 

[Scodog10]

Re: So, did we tell the State Governement we were redeveloping?

It'd be a shame if the Victorian state government stepped in and put any stoppage on this! Because it will only effect the community as a whole by denying them the access to facilities that the Federal government has pledged money for.

With the Baileue (spelling??) government already having stand offs with the teachers union, nursing union and losing jobs in all sectors I think the last thing they should be doing is preventing community developments like this. IMO PR wise they're better off jumping on board!

FWIW it's a very sneaky article because it doesn't actually state that the MOPT weren't involved in the planning process. TBH it shouldn't really because Ed has dealt with their chairman all the way through.

 

[Pie eyed]

Re: So, did we tell the State Governement we were redeveloping?

It'd be a shame if the Victorian state government stepped in and put any stoppage on this! Because it will only effect the community as a whole by denying them the access to facilities that the Federal government has pledged money for.

With the Baileue (spelling??) government already having stand offs with the teachers union, nursing union and losing jobs in all sectors I think the last thing they should be doing is preventing community developments like this. IMO PR wise they're better off jumping on board!

FWIW it's a very sneaky article because it doesn't actually state that the MOPT weren't involved in the planning process. TBH it shouldn't really because Ed has dealt with their chairman all the way through.

AS I was aware of the proposed development and have been for some years, as have the vast majority of interested Victorians, this seems like they are looking for some ego stroking from the club and they need to be seen to be relevant in the process.
Tailcoat riding.

 

[Scodog10]

Re: So, did we tell the State Governement we were redeveloping?

AS I was aware of the proposed development and have been for some years, as have the vast majority of interested Victorians, this seems like they are looking for some ego stroking from the club and they need to be seen to be relevant in the process.
Tailcoat riding.

The thing that I really don't understand is why it's the sports minister commenting? Shouldn't it be the planning and development minister considering the federal funding will go to a community centre that's separate from the club? I'd have thought the land itself would fall under that ministers umbrella rather than the sports portfolio....

 

[Pie eyed]

Re: So, did we tell the State Governement we were redeveloping?

The thing that I really don't understand is why it's the sports minister commenting? Shouldn't it be the planning and development minister considering the federal funding will go to a community centre that's separate from the club? I'd have thought the land itself would fall under that ministers umbrella rather than the sports portfolio....

AS I said. It's about feeling left out.
Where will they get their next photo op with a golden spade.

 

[poulsman]

Re: So, did we tell the State Governement we were redeveloping?

Why would we bother mentioning anything to this absolutely useless State Government? Planning Minister Guy doesn't know the first thing about decent, worthwhile planning. The Liberals are more likely to introduce cattle grazing on Gosch's Paddock than anything else...

 

[mattys123]

Re: So, did we tell the State Governement we were redeveloping?

Why would we bother mentioning anything to this absolutely useless State Government? Planning Minister Guy doesn't know the first thing about decent, worthwhile planning. The Liberals are more likely to introduce cattle grazing on Gosch's Paddock than anything else...

Basically you have it right, why deal with the underlings when you can deal with the true power, the federal government.

If the state government or the trust sook anymore I'm sure Gillard and her union cronies will just stamp on their throats and shut them up.

It is going ahead, in fact much of the work is either in progress or completed already, so there's not much anyone can do to stop it now.

 

[Cousin of Daicos]

Re: So, did we tell the State Governement we were redeveloping?

How long before we take over the MCG and incorporate it into our 'Pies Precinct'?

 

[millsy29gopies]

Re: So, did we tell the State Governement we were redeveloping?

How long before we take over the MCG and incorporate it into our 'Pies Precinct'?

Not too far away Take over Rod Laver as well

 

[standingroomonly]

Re: So, did we tell the State Governement we were redeveloping?

The planning minister was probably too busy trying to override a local council somewhere so his mates can build some monstrosity of a development.

 

[unplugged]

Re: So, did we tell the State Governement we were redeveloping?

Interesting thread. I thought we were the State Government?

 

[76woodenspooners]

Re: So, did we tell the State Governement we were redeveloping?

Basically you have it right, why deal with the underlings when you can deal with the true power, the federal government.

The **true power** is whoever has money to give away at the time. Sometimes it's the Feds, sometimes it's State (never is it local!)

This whole issue is a ridiculous one by the state government. It's like doing renovations to your rented home and telling the rental agent (MOPT in this case) rather than the owner directly (State government).

But I've got no doubt that the club would have insisted that MOPT maintain strict confidentiality on this.

 

[jonbe54]

Re: So, did we tell the State Governement we were redeveloping?

Interesting thread. I thought we were the State Government?

SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The sheep will hear

 

[Markfs]

It seems that the writer is getting upset because the Pies are getting a higher amount than Essendon or North Melb. However, Collingwood is sinking a boatload of money into this development.