R2K interviews Kogarah Mayor Jim
Taylor
Article by: R2K
03/08/02
How
would you describe the public response to Kogarah Council's unanimous decision
to support the return of the Dragons to Jubilee Oval in 2003?
In a word overwhelming, I have had
many phone calls, notes and face to face comments, all of them so very
positive and expectant of the day the Dragons come home.
Kogarah Council has often been painted
as the villain by the mainstream media in relation to Jubilee Oval. Are
you glad that this theory has been completely dismissed over the past week?
Unfortunately Council has been painted
as the villain in the piece. Uninformed comments by the media, both electronic
and paper, leaves me wondering is there some hidden agenda in there to
support what has become rugby league for the corporate dollar rather than
entertainment for the grass roots supporters. I know and you know that
the dyed in the wool Dragon supporter wants to stand on the hill and watch
the game.
What sort of maintenance work will
be done to Jubilee Oval with the funds allocated from Kogarah Council and
the Club?
The monies to be spent on maintenance
will be on the grandstand. Little if any money has been spent there since
the stand opened in 1990 and a report commissioned by Council has pointed
out some work that must be done immediately. The stand is not however condemned,
as one "commentator" has stated.
What's your favourite memory of
the Dragons playing at Kogarah?
After watching my Dragons for so many
years I have a treasure chest of memories. I well recall Changa's first
game and marvelling at the prodigious sidestep. Ken "Killer" Kearney strutting
around the field training and educating the youngsters and turning many
of them into champions. Sticks Provan, Bluey Wilson, Gaz with his swerve
and speed, Harry Bath as a player and coach. Don't start me, I could go
on for ages.
Do you believe that the R2K movement
and Dragon Army have played a positive role in keeping the return to Kogarah
issue on the agenda?
Yes, of course the R2K movement has
had an impact on keeping "The Return" to the fore. It must have been difficult
at times for the group but hopefully the effort will soon pay off.
Kogarah Council recently opened
a 224 space car park in Derby Street, Kogarah? Will supporters be able
to utilise this when the Dragons return to Kogarah?
Yes, Council's car park off Derby
St will be available to the public on football days. It will in fact be
free on weekends. There are also other car parking facilities available
within a five or six minutes walk to the ground.
What is Kogarah Council's long-term
vision for Jubilee Oval and how do you plan to fulfil this?
This is my long term vision, not Kogarah
Councils. I want to see a quality, boutique ground capable of holding 18
to 20 thousand fans in comfort. I would like to see a stand on the eastern
side with community facilities under it. Perhaps we can fulfil this vision
by first getting back to Jubilee and then beginning a process that will
convince decision makers with money of its merit.
From: http://www.r2k.info/
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