The Victorian Government’s decision to help finance Tiger Woods’ appearance at The Masters later this year has again highlighted their commitment to sport.
The Victorian Government will fund half of Woods’ $3 million appearance fee, like they did in 2009.
Victorian Premier, John Brumby, said the appearance fee would likely reap ten times that for the Victorian economy.
Victoria continues to lead the way in major sporting decisions, and are leaving several States far behind.
By the end of 2010, Victoria will have had Tiger Woods appear twice in the space of 12 months. Also, they have completed a rectangular stadium for their many sporting sides, as well as held all its traditional major sporting events.
By contrast, Western Australian sport seems to be living in the dark ages.
West Australia will not host a major golf tournament in 2010 after hosting the Johnnie Walker Classic in early 2009, and still West Australia sporting fans are awaiting decisions and commitments on stadium development.
The West Coast Eagles fill Subiaco Oval week in, week out, and the high flying Fremantle Dockers are heading in that direction, also.
Subiaco Oval is crumbling and clearly too small for the growing sporting population of WA, but still it gets used and there seems to be no decision on a new major stadium.
ME Bank Stadium which hosts the Perth Glory and Western Force is also in need of further redevelopment, but again the Government seems to be non-committal.
It seems that a major event is the only thing that will change the Government’s mind. Perhaps they are holding out for the FIFA World Cup?
Western Australia is reactive when it comes to major sport.
The Victorians go out there and chase events and stars, they reap the rewards not only in terms of the sporting events but also the dollars related to these events that get spent in their state.
Take note Premier Colin Barnett and the Western Australian Government, the Vics are leading the way and the gap is getting bigger and bigger.
betty b
Guest
I'm not sure why you use Perth as a contrast. It's so far away that I'm not sure it really figures much on the Aust sporting scene. I don't mean competitively or even that Perth doesn't host some great events (Redbull, Hopman, there must be more outside those you mention), but I mean that few would consider flying to Perth for the day to watch a spotring event. You can easily day trip, or quick overnight, on the east coast to take in an event, but not so WA. Good on Victoria though - it's not just WA, but every state (and not just capitals but regional citys too) that need to lift their game when it comes to hosting major events.
Tom
Guest
A 60k seat rectangular stadium as first priority??? I think somebody needs to lay off the crackpipe or visit a state outside of qld and nsw.
The Farmer
Roar Rookie
To compete with Melbourne, for starters, Perth would need to relocate to Adelaide, or Sydney.
oikee
Guest
Victoria has already sold its sole to the devil, there is no morals left down there. Its plain to see now that the dollar is the only tool they have left. Tiger Woods must be laughing all the way to the bank knowing that this city can be bought. Perth needs to take stock now, go the same path or build a brand new 60 thousand rectangular ground and get the jump on melbourne and open up there own feild of dreams for internationals and 3 international codes. This is a golden oppotunity, lets see if anyone running this place has the sense to see this opportunity.