Townsville City Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney has publicly challenged fellow councillor and former deputy mayor Mark Dametto over his vision for a new stadium at Riverway, raising serious questions about the proposal's feasibility and community impact.
The Stadium Debate Intensifies
In a recent social media post that has sparked vigorous community discussion, Cr Greaney directly questioned Cr Dametto's push for a 25,000-seat stadium at Riverway, suggesting the proposal lacks detailed planning and financial consideration. The exchange highlights growing tensions within the council about the future of Townsville's sporting infrastructure.
Cr Dametto had previously advocated for the Riverway stadium concept as part of his election campaign, positioning it as a potential alternative to upgrading Queensland Country Bank Stadium. However, Cr Greaney's intervention has brought renewed scrutiny to the idea, with many residents and stakeholders now questioning whether the proposal represents the best use of public funds.
Community Concerns and Practical Questions
Cr Greaney raised several practical concerns about the Riverway stadium proposal, including traffic management, parking availability, and environmental impact on the surrounding parklands. She pointed out that the area already experiences significant congestion during major events at the existing Riverway facilities.
The councillor also questioned whether a new stadium at Riverway would adequately serve the broader community, noting that many residents in the city's northern suburbs might find the location less accessible than the current city-based stadium. Her comments reflect broader community conversations about equitable access to public facilities across Townsville's diverse geographic spread.
The Broader Context of Townsville Infrastructure
This stadium debate occurs against the backdrop of ongoing discussions about Townsville's future development priorities. With multiple infrastructure projects competing for limited funding, council members face difficult decisions about where to allocate resources for maximum community benefit.
Cr Greaney's questioning of Cr Dametto's vision extends beyond the stadium itself to encompass broader questions about urban planning, community consultation, and fiscal responsibility. Her approach suggests a preference for evidence-based decision-making over visionary proposals that may lack detailed implementation plans.
The public nature of this exchange indicates that the stadium debate will likely feature prominently in future council discussions and potentially in the lead-up to the next local government elections. As Townsville continues to grow and evolve, decisions about major infrastructure projects like stadiums will have lasting impacts on the city's character and functionality.
