15 June 2012

Stadia Report must give greater consideration to Athletics

Olympic medallist and Auckland Councillor Dick Quax expressed concerns that the Auckland Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) Regional Facilities Auckland has given little thought to the continuing provision of athletics facilities at Mt Smart in its discussion document on the future of Auckland stadia.

Athletics have been promised a new track to replace the existing one on the number two stadium at Mt Smart but that is in direct conflict with the desired aim, outlined in the document to have speedway use the same area. It will not be possible for athletics to continue to use that space if it is used as a speedway track.

RFA and council will need to make it very clear what they have planned for athletics in Auckland. Mt Smart has been used as an athletics stadium for close on fifty years and was the site of the athletics stadium for the 1990 Commonwealth Games.

Moving athletics from Mt Smart is not an option according the Cr Quax, as any alternative will be far more costly than staying there and replacing the present track, which in its current state is a safety hazard.

ENDS

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