OPEN SESSION
MINUTES - ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL
TUESDAY, 18 OCTOBER 2016
MOTIONS ON NOTICE
AO269-16 MOTION ON NOTICE - A LEAGUE SOCCER MATCH
FILE NO:
15/5/2
PREVIOUS MIN:
Alderman Teeny Brumby has given notice that she would move the following motion at this
meeting:“THAT Council works together with Football Federation Tasmania (Soccer) with the aim of
attracting an A League soccer match to Burnie at West Park Oval in 2017.”
ALDERMAN’S COMMENTS
Earlier this year, Darren Purton, North West development officer, and I met with Rick
Ferguson, BCC Sports and Events, and Mike Palmer, CEO Football Federation Tasmania, to
discuss the possibility of attracting an A League soccer game to Burnie in 2016.
Uncertain if the League would agree to playing at West Park Oval, we invited the curators to
come and confirm that the grounds could a) accommodate the required size and b) check
the conditions of the grounds. Sadly, due to the phenomenal amount of rain this winter, the
curators arrived shortly after the flood events and the grounds were not deemed suitable for
this year.
FFT have confirmed that they are keen to work closely with BCC to bring this unique
opportunity to fruition. FFT believe that the best approach is to target two specific A League
teams in the first quarter of 2017 and to agree a specific date for the match later next year.
On that basis, there could be certainty that the playing surface will be in perfect condition
and other events/matches could be scheduled in such a way as not to be held in competition
with this prestigious opportunity.
A League teams regularly play pre-season matches in regional areas and in the past, have
played matches in Launceston and Hobart. On that basis, it is not unrealistic to expect that
we would have an excellent opportunity to attract two teams to play in Burnie in the
September/October period of 2017.
Have you ever been to the McKenna Soccer grounds of a Saturday morning to observe the
huge flurry of activity with nearly 600 students playing soccer?!!! How inspirational it would
be to have an A League match come to our city to inspire the aspirations of all these budding
soccer enthusiasts!!!
It is my deep hope that we could once again endeavour to attract an A League soccer match
to our city that would be enjoyed by a significant number of soccer supporters and general
sports loving people.
Page 45
OPEN SESSION
MINUTES - ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL
TUESDAY, 18 OCTOBER 2016
GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS
Council was approached by the Football Federation Tasmania to host an A-League game at
West Park in late September 2016, between the football and cricket seasons.
A-League representatives visited Burnie to view the West Park Ground and facilities in July.
Following the visit, Council officers were informed that the playing surface was not of a
standard to hold an A-League game.
While September provides the best window for West Park, it is not an ideal time for the ALeague, and they would be very reluctant to agree to a regional practice game during that
time of the competition.
It is unlikely that the A-League would consider playing at West Park until ground drainage
work has been completed.
Recent discussions with the West Park Ground User Group has resolved that the best time to
complete the drainage work will be in January-March 2018 to minimise the disruption for
sporting use at West Park. It is therefore doubtful that Burnie could secure a regional
practice game until after that time. However, this could depend on the time of the year that
the A-League would agree to a play a match in Burnie.
Council officers will continue discussions with Football Federation Tasmania regarding
hosting a practice game at the earliest time possible.
COUNCIL RESOLUTION
Resolution number: MO350-16
MOVED:
Ald T Brumby
SECONDED:
Ald S Kons
“THAT Council works together with Football Federation Tasmania (Soccer) with the aim of
attracting an A League soccer match to Burnie at West Park Oval in 2017.”
For:
Ald R Blake OAM, Ald S French AM, Ald S Kons, Ald A Boyd, Ald R Bentley, Ald T
Brumby, Ald K Dorsey, Ald C Lynch.
Against:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Page 46