Allianz Stadium demolition forges ahead as critics of the decision to redevelop watch on helpless
The critics of the demolition of Allianz Stadium, including Labor and Peter FitzSimons can only watch on now as the bulldozers tear through it. It comes after former Labor leader Michael Daley threatened to sack 2GB host Alan Jones from the board.
NSW
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They huffed and they puffed but they couldn’t stop the stadium being torn down.
The critics of the demolition of Allianz Stadium, including Labor, the Greens and Peter FitzSimons can only watch on now as the bulldozers tear through it.
Both the north and south stands at the sports ground in Moore Park are in complete ruin, while the roof is being torn down in stages.
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The new 45,000-seat stadium, costing $730 million, is scheduled to be completed in 2021 with some punters suggesting it could be called the Peter FitzSimons stand after the outspoken commentator’s views on the development. During the debate leading up to the demolition, the former rugby player waged war against the Berejiklian government’s plan to demolish the stadium and create a safe, state-of-the-art environment for players and fans.
Along with column inches and minutes on air, he created online petitions against the development saying it was “economic madness”.
The stadium debate was seen as key election issue before Premier Gladys Berejiklian romped to victory in the March 23 poll.
Former Opposition leader Michael Daley was so against the development he threatened to fire the SCG trust for their role in the plan, suggesting the group colluded with the NSW government.
An Infrastructure NSW spokesman told The Daily Telegraph the demolition of Sydney Football Stadium is progressing as planned. “A section of the western roof was lowered earlier today without incident,” he said.
Earlier this year, Mr Daley threatened to sack 2GB radio host Alan Jones from his plum job on the Sydney Cricket Ground board when the pair clashed on the broadcaster’s show on March 5.
“This morning I took the opportunity, so that Alan Jones couldn’t accuse me of going behind his back, to announce it on his program, face-to-face if you like, as a courtesy to him as the longest serving member of the board,” Mr Daley said at the time.
“What we’ve got here is a board that was in on the fix if you like, the $730 million of the great rip-off of taxpayers, and I told you on day one I would not stand for this stadium promise.
“I don’t care who what enemies I pick around town, whether they think they’re powerful or not, I will take the side of the ordinary citizens of NSW everyday regardless of the peril it puts me personally in.”
During the state election count while appearing on Channel 7’s election panel, Jones danced on the grave of Mr Daley’s premiership ambitions after it became apparent the Labor Party had lost.
The shock jock said Mr Daley ran an “appalling campaign” and should do the “honourable thing” by resigning from the leadership.
“There is no future for the Labor Party under Michael Daley’s leadership,” Jones said.
Mr Daley has since stepped down.
HOW ALLIANZ STADIUM WAS A STAGE FOR THE WORLD’S BIGGEST STARS
