Greens Challenge Proposed Rezoning of Stadium Land for Accommodation
The NSW Greens have launched a strong opposition to proposed legislative changes that would permit the development of accommodation on public land surrounding major stadiums across the state. This move, they argue, represents a significant departure from the original mandate of Venues NSW.
Legislative Amendments Under Scrutiny
Proposed amendments to the Sporting Venues Authorities Act seek to enable land owned by Venues NSW around key stadiums in Newcastle, Parramatta, Penrith, and Wollongong to be developed for residential, tourist, and visitor accommodation. This marks a notable shift, as such development was previously prohibited on these publicly owned parcels.
NSW Greens Sport and Recreation spokeswoman, Dr Amanda Cohn MLC, has been vocal in her criticism. She contends that the changes would "quietly open the door" to for-profit accommodation projects, potentially at the expense of community sporting infrastructure.
"Once this land is gone, it's gone for good," Dr Cohn stated emphatically. "Venues NSW was created to manage major facilities for sport and entertainment events, not to act as a real estate arm for the government."
Government's Housing and Economic Rationale
The state government, however, defends the amendments as a necessary step to unlock underutilised land and address pressing needs. A spokesman for NSW Minister for Sport, Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper, argued that without these changes, substantial areas like the 63 hectares at Broadmeadow earmarked for the proposed Hunter Park would remain "locked up" by bureaucracy.
The government points to the broader Broadmeadow Place Strategy, a draft plan by the City of Newcastle that envisages revitalising a 313-hectare precinct. This strategy aims to deliver up to 20,000 new homes and 15,000 jobs while maintaining Broadmeadow's status as the region's premier sport and entertainment hub.
"These amendments ensure Venues NSW can support the coordinated, long-term Broadmeadow Place Strategy and deliver a vibrant entertainment precinct supported by well-located residential and short-stay accommodation," the spokesman explained.
Furthermore, the government links the proposal to its economic ambitions, stating that conveniently located accommodation is crucial to growing the visitor economy to $91 billion annually by 2035, which they estimate will require an additional 40,400 rooms.
Community Concerns and Political Stance
Dr Cohn and the Greens remain sceptical of these justifications. She asserts that regional communities are more interested in investment in local sports infrastructure and affordable access to facilities rather than hotels constructed on public land in metropolitan areas.
"This looks less like community benefit and more like a smokescreen for a gift to developers," she remarked.
In response, the Greens have announced they will oppose the bill when it is debated in parliament next week. They also plan to move an amendment to restrict any potential development strictly to residential purposes only, aiming to curb commercial accommodation projects.
The government has sought to reassure the public that any future development will be subject to standard planning laws, public exhibition, and approval processes. However, the debate highlights a fundamental clash over the use of valuable public assets and the priorities for urban development in New South Wales.
