Labor backs AFL High Performance Centre for old Rosny Golf Course site

As community debate continues on the merits of an AFL High Performance Centre at Rosny, the Labor Party has entered the fray.

Brendan Blomeley mayor Clarence City Council, Dean Winter Labor leader, Luke Edmunds Labor member for Pembroke at the proposed site of the AFL High Performance Centre at the old Rosny Golf Course site. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The Labor Party has thrown its support behind the AFL High Performance Centre being built on the former Rosny Golf Course – a move welcomed by Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley.

Labor sports spokesman Luke Edmunds supported Mr Blomeley’s stance on the centre and said it was “obvious” that Charles Hand Park, behind Rosny College, was not preferred by the community or the Devils.

He said he was concerned about the project falling behind and the deadlines in the Premier’s deal with the AFL not being met.

“Charles Hand Park was causing a lot of consternation in the community, but I don’t think the golf course site is as controversial and I think we should get on with the project,” Mr Edmunds said.

“This project will boost local retailers and the eastern shore economy and the jobs that come with it.

Proposed site of the AFL High Performance Centre at the old Rosny Golf Course site. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“We want this to be a winner. It’s time to get on with establishing the Devils HPC.”

Mr Edmunds, who lobbied unsuccessfully to save the Rosny Golf Course, said golf may be included in the development.

“One of the suggestions we’ve put forward is that you could have like a small par three to take up the rest of the site,” he said.

“So you could restore the 100 year tradition of golfing on this site in a way that’s accessible to people, you could use modern technology like apps and things like that, to be able to play.

“The site will still have the thoroughfares it will still have a lot of green space, they’re not talking about using the entire site, so I think that there will still be a community benefit outside of the Performance Centre.”

Mr Blomeley welcomed Labor’s support for the centre at the former golf course.

“It’s good now that both the government and the opposition are on the same page with this very important issue,” he said.

“The team is so important for the future of our state, and it’s fantastic to see such strong bi-partisan support.

“The silent majority cannot, and will not, be held to ransom by the coterie of vocal, anti-development individuals in our city.

“It’s time to step up and come of age.

“Let’s get on and build the AFL / AFLW High Performance Centre in Rosny.

“Let’s build the stadium. Let’s get our team in the national competition and let’s win a premiership.”

Mr Blomeley said a timeline for an elector poll on the centre was still being worked out but he was confident Clarence ratepayers would back the development.

He said he was still concerned the centre could be built at Kingston.

“There’s no doubt that there is a risk here, absolutely, and that’s why we need to push forward now as a united community and not be held to ransom by a small albeit vocal minority of anti-development individuals here in our city,” Mr Blomeley said.