Leichhardt Oval: Football Australia gives verdict on venue as mayor calls for funding

Leichhardt Oval could close for good if more federal and state government funding isn’t pledged, while Australia’s soccer body delivered its own verdict on the venue.

The ground hosted a memorable Wests victory on Saturday but needs more funding, says mayor Darcy Byrne. Picture: Getty

Leichhardt Oval could close to elite sport if more government funding isn’t pledged as Football Australia gave its own mixed verdict on the state of the beloved ground.

The dilapidated landmark, home to the Wests Tigers, hosted an emphatic win for the joint-venture side when they thumped North Queensland 66-18 before a packed ground on Friday, prompting Inner West Mayor and lifelong Tiger Darcy Byrne to re-amplify calls for more government funding.

“If the ground doesn’t receive funding soon it will close to professional sport for good,” Mr Byrne said.

The stadium, which remains in a sub-par state with dated amenities, may close to professional sport if critical upgrades could not be funded.

“It won’t be safe for professional sport and crowds, and we saw last year the collapse of infrastructure – it was lucky no one was injured,” Mr Byrne said.

A sellout for Wests Tigers v North Queensland Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday. Picture: Getty

“That will happen again without proper investment.”

He also revealed a venue masterplan was nearing completion, which would – the mayor hoped – unify all levels of government into funding the ground.

“We’ll be submitting it to the state and federal governments, asking them to partner with us in funding the ground’s future,” the mayor said.

Mr Byrne revealed the masterplan – which is expected to be submitted to the governments in June – would include multiple proposals, each requiring varying degrees of funding.

“It will explore different options: what could be done with $10m, $20m and so on,” he said.

Mayor Darcy Byrne reiterated calls for more funding.

By contrast, Penrith’s stadium, BlueBet, which hosts less games across different codes, is set to receive about $300m from the state government.

“The money given to Panthers Stadium – we could fix Leichhardt for a fraction of the cost,” he said.

Mr Byrne also ruled out any move to seek private funding to upgrade the venue, saying it was “not council’s focus”.

“There's not a single suburban ground in Australia that has ever been successfully renovated without a contribution from state and federal governments,” he said.

Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pasco. Picture: Getty

Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe welcomed the move and said the venue “wasn’t fit for purpose”.

“It’s a big part of our history, so we want to ensure it remains part of our future,” he said, while also urging for more funding for the club’s other base, Campbelltown Stadium.

“We would be able to commit to more games at the ground (with upgrades) – from an operational and athletic standpoint there are real challenges when we play there.”

Mr Pascoe noted the lack of showers and ice baths, as well as the dated facilities, and said “it’s not just about Wests”.

“More funding would benefit and attract more content for the entire community,” he said.

This publication revealed in 2022 the sub-par amenities at the ground, including this abandoned toilet block.

The oval will also be a training base for visiting teams at July’s FIFA Women’s World Cup and while Football Australia said it was adequate training it raised concerns about its elite-sport longevity.

“For elite and international football, the facilities are adequate for ad hoc training sessions but aren’t something that could be used in its current form on an ongoing basis, particularly with the venue being used by multiple sports, which impacts the quality of the playing surface,” a Football Australia spokeswoman said.

“The facility is not comparable to world-leading football-specific training bases.”

While the spokeswoman said Football Australia’s preference for soccer-focused government funding was for a “football-specific high-performance centre”, it welcomed investment in venues which hosted domestic soccer, such as Leichhardt.

Teams competing for the Women’s World Cup in July will train at the oval. Picture: Getty

“With very few options available to Football Australia and our national teams when they train and play in Sydney, Leichhardt Oval will remain an option in lieu of having our own ‘home of football’, which we would like the government to prioritise,” she said.

The council owns and operates the venue, spending millions on turf upkeep and a $1m tranche in the off-season for better women’s amenities, but does not have the many more millions for a full upgrade.

This publication reported in 2022 how a toilet block lay derelict at one corner of the ground, ancient equipment was still being used and there were no female-friendly changing facilities.

NSW Sport Minister Steve Kamper said he looked forward to receiving the proposals. Picture: Gaye Gerard

Previously, female teams had to change in rooms with urinals, or even a tent.

New NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper said he was looking forward to seeing the proposals.

“We understand that the Inner West Council are developing a masterplan for Leichhardt Oval and intend to present an official submission to the NSW Government,” the minister said.

“We look forward to receiving the submission from Inner West Council.”