- Published:
- Tuesday 29 March 2016
The Andrews Labor Government has delivered on its election commitment to establish the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, giving the iconic Geelong venue a safe and exciting future.
Minister for Sport and Member for Lara John Eren today announced the seven members of the new Trust, which will be led by former Premier of Victoria, Steve Bracks.
The other Trust members are:
- Rebecca Casson
- Gillian Costa
- Simon Guthrie
- Jane den Hollander
- Michael Malouf
- Elizabeth Mears
Kardinia Park is at the dawn of an exciting new era. The Labor Government is getting on with the job of an $89 million upgrade of Simonds Stadium, creating jobs and securing the big sports and entertainment events Geelong does so well.
The Trust will be responsible for oversight of the stadium and surrounding parklands, and charged with the task of attracting more world-class events to the city.
Mr Bracks brings with him extensive experience in public life and a passion for the Geelong Cats. He becomes the inaugural Chair of the Trust after leading a committee which undertook consultation with key stakeholders to ensure the venue remains the heart and soul of sport in Geelong.
The Labor Government’s redevelopment of Simonds Stadium will lift capacity to 36,000. The development will create 90 jobs during construction, and a further 320 jobs once complete.
A new grandstand will replace the old Brownlow and Jennings Stands, and world-class facilities will give Cats players and the community the state-of-the-art home they deserve.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“Kardinia Park has been the home of sport and heart and soul of Geelong for many decades. Our upgrade and establishment of the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust will give this great venue an exciting and secure future.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“The Trust members have been carefully selected to ensure Simonds Stadium is perfectly positioned to secure the biggest and best events for Geelong.”
Quotes attributable to Kardinia Park Stadium Trust Chairman Steve Bracks
“The State Government of Victoria and the Kardinia Park Steering Committee has worked hard over the past 12 months to finalise legislation and establish the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust.”
“I am delighted to join the Trust as the inaugural Chair and I look forward to working with my fellow Trustees, some of Geelong’s exceptional leaders, to contribute to the economic, social and liveability benefits for Geelong and the state.”