Election 2018: Both Labor and SA Best commit to Port Adelaide’s Alberton Oval upgrade

PORT Adelaide’s $35 million Alberton Oval upgrade now has the backing of two political parties after Labor on Saturday pledged $8 million towards it if it is re-elected.

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PORT Adelaide’s $35 million Alberton Oval upgrade now has the backing of two political parties after Labor on Saturday pledged $8 million towards it if it is re-elected.

Premier Jay Weatherill’s election promise is $500,000 more than potential kingmaker Nick Xenophon’s pledge and comes just three days after the SA Best leader’s own commitment to provide the funds if his fledgling party was to hold the balance of power.

Port Adelaide’s blueprint, which president David Koch said would keep the football club anchored at Alberton for another 150 years, includes an Aboriginal leadership academy and a sports science centre. of excellence.

Port Adelaide president David Koch with Premier Jay Weatherill at the announcement. Picture Sarah Reed

It also involves creating a secondary oval at the site — so one field could be the same dimensions as the MCG. It is aimed toward making the Power more familiar with the grand final venue.

Mr Koch said the club had no choice but to think big and outside the square to build into the future.

“We’ve been working on a few pieces of the puzzle on what we wanted to represent as Port Adelaide and South Australia in the community,” Mr Koch said.

“And that is excellence in sport. It’s a close connection with the community and also in terms of encouraging outstanding young South Australians to have a dream, develop the dream and achieve their dreams.”

Mr Koch said planning was “well advanced” and construction on the Aboriginal leadership academy could begin before the end of the year.

Speaking before the bounce at the preseason Showdown at Alberton Oval, Mr Weatherill said his political opponent had “obviously had some advance notice” of his announcement, which he said had been in the pipeline for some time.

“We welcome that they’re part of this plan and their support for it. This is the real deal but we value their support,” Mr Weatherill said.

He said the sports science centre of excellence would put the oval precinct at the “centre of the sporting world”.

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“Health sciences is something we see as the big growth areas to create jobs and prosperity.,” Mr Weatherill said.

“This club — with its excellence — can actually aspire to get into that sector, creating jobs and opportunities.”

Seating will be upgraded as part of the development, which also includes a new gym, swimming pool and a function centre.

Mr Xenophon, who on Wednesday — flanked by Port Adelaide great Russell Ebert — announced he would make the upgrade a condition of supporting either major party to form government, welcomed Labor’s announcement.

“It’s great the Premier has followed SA Best’s lead for a much needed initiative,” Mr Xenophon said.

“This won’t just be great for the Port, it would be great for the state. “