Evidence to the Legislative Council Budget and Finance Committee had confirmed the total cost of the Adelaide Oval project had blown out to at least $655 million.
Rod Hook, deputy CEO of the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure, confirmed that the following four projects were all not included in the current $535 million estimate for Adelaide Oval:
• $38 million pedestrian bridge over the Torrens;
• $50-$60 million underground car park (1000-1200 cars);
• $11 million open-air car park, south of the Torrens; and,
• $15 million pedestrian and bus access issues for projects.
TOTAL: $114-$124 million
“Of these additional costs, only the $38 million is currently accounted for in the funding for the Convention Centre project,” Shadow Minister for Finance Rob Lucas said today.
“The other $76-$86 million in costs is currently not funded in any budget line.
“Whilst Mr Hook did concede the possibility had been discussed, he didn’t think it likely that Adelaide Casino would put money into the footbridge.” However, Mr Hook did note:
“If they were to put money into a footbridge, I guess it would be the same as whether any business saw some value in funding a footbridge which may have associated advertising rights.” (Emphasis added.)
“Mr Hook also confirmed the estimated cost for taking trams to West Lakes as flagged again by Minister Conlon last week was now $223 million,” Mr Lucas said.
“Mr Conlon was trying to convince the SANFL about the financial benefits of moving to Adelaide Oval and redeveloping West Lakes.
“It should be remembered that when the Rann Government first announced the $450 million Adelaide Oval project, it said $200 million of the cost would be met by deferring the tram to West Lakes.
“It is clear this is not a real saving to taxpayers as taxpayers will still have to find at least $655 million for Adelaide Oval as well as $223 million soon afterwards for the tram extension to West Lakes.”
Mr Hook also told the Committee the following:
• Bob Boorman had been employed as a consultant (without a public tender) on the BER programme and total payments by the end of 2010 would be between $400,000 and $500,000; and,
• Planning for the $61 million O’Bahn through the parklands was proceeding with two options still being considered.