The South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) today disputed some of the statements allegedly made by the State Treasurer, Kevin Foley, in the Advertiser on Saturday 6 July.

The SACA has not placed a proposal before the Rann Labor Government, or the previous government, for funding a "grandstand". SACA has been working with the Adelaide City Council on a proposal for the most significant redevelopment of Adelaide Oval in its history.

The Adelaide Oval redevelopment is currently before the Development Assessment Commission (DAC) and final development approval is not expected before September 2002. In principle approval has been granted by the Adelaide City Council.

SACA had spoken to the previous Olsen/Kerin Liberal Government about a grant to support the Oval's redevelopment, but had received no indication of support, pending final development approval. It had also kept Mike Rann and Michael Wright fully informed of these plans.

The Minister for Sport, Michael Wright, knows South Australia is competing for the Enhanced Australian Cricket Academy - statements like "I think we have enough tax payer funded grandstands" can hardly help the Australian Cricket Board's perception of this government's view of Adelaide Oval as the Cricket Centre of Excellence the Australian Cricket Board will be wanting.

The redevelopment contemplates a major beautification of the eastern facade of Adelaide Oval where it fronts Creswell Gardens and Pennington Gardens. It is this component of the redevelopment that the SACA had sought funding from the State Government. The redevelopment of the western grandstands (two-thirds of the total development), with their heritage listed features, is to be funded by SACA.

Adelaide Oval is, internationally, possibly the best known feature of South Australia, renowned as the most beautiful cricket ground in the world.

"The ground will attract thousands of visitors to South Australia over the next 18 months, when it hosts the Ashes Test Match between Australia and England next summer, and then the Rugby World Cup matches, involving the Wallabies, in October 2003," said SACA Chief Executive Mike Deare.

"The Oval's public facilities have been little improved in over 70 years, and it is this component of the redevelopment that SACA believes the government should assist with."

"Failure to undertake the improvements will put at risk the hosting of these events in Adelaide in the future."

© 2002 South Australian Cricket Association

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.