“Whilst Leichhardt Oval is the spiritual home of the Wests Tigers, this oval has become much more than that. It has become a true community hub and a home for women’s sport.”
In a joint statement, Albanese, Kamper and federal Sport Minister Annika Wells said the “critical” upgrades to the stadium would ensure the safety and comfort of fans and competitors.
“[The oval] has become increasingly expensive to maintain, and significant upgrades are required to ensure it can continue to host elite, amateur and grassroots sporting events and training.
“It is critical we invest in iconic local sporting venues like Leichhardt Oval for the benefit of players, spectators and the wider community,” the statement said.
The venue played a significant role in Australian sport and was on track to host 120 sporting fixtures in 2024, including both men’s and women’s national rugby league matches.
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“These venues are a platform for elite women and girls’ sporting competitions, such as NRLW and Women’s A League.”
The council has been spending about $1.4 million per year on Leichhardt in both maintenance and capital works.
That spending includes recent upgrades to the existing change rooms and toilet facilities.
But Mayor Darcy Byrne has repeatedly said the council does not have the funds to pay for the kind of upgrades necessary for the oval to remain a viable NRL venue.
Instead, in 2023 the council devised a masterplan for the oval and called for state and federal government assistance in paying for it.
Leichhardt Oval’s most prominent tenant, the Wests Tigers, has so far refused to commit to its future at the venue.
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