The State Opposition has again called on Premier Rann to abandon plans to redevelop Adelaide Oval in favour of building a stand-alone stadium with a roof.
 

The Opposition understands from insiders that yesterday’s “announcement” by Minister Conlon avoided revealing a budget black hole of $105 million (including car park costs).
 

Why did the Government spend all yesterday promoting the project and refused to reveal the cost blow out?

This news comes as today’s Advertiser reports that;
 

“Just before the night of the long knifes that killed off Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister the State Government was within a round of drinks to securing as much as $200 million for Adelaide Oval and its precinct from Canberra”. (Michaelangelo Rucci, Pg 93)
 

This appears to indicate that the funding shortfall is up to $200 million.
 

Shadow Treasurer, Iain Evans said today that funding was now in doubt with the State Government, cricket and football all refusing to contribute to cover the funding black hole and the Federal Government not making a commitment either.
 

“I call on Minister Conlon and the Premier to tell the public what the current cost estimate of the Adelaide Oval upgrade is. What is the funding shortfall? Taxpayers deserve to know.
 

“South Australians are being treated as mugs- the cost of upgrading Adelaide Oval is on par with building a brand new, stand-alone stadium with a roof.
 

“The SMA’s own costings reveal that at February 2010 prices you could build an Etihad-style stadium including a roof and car parking for $635 million.
 

“If the $105 million shortfall is correct the Adelaide Oval upgrade’s current cost is $640 million (without the bridge costs). If the $200 million figure is correct it’s $735 million,” Mr Evans said.
 

Minister Conlon last night revealed that the costings for Adelaide Oval may go higher than the current cost estimate due to escalation and contingency costs. He said;
 

“There is a likelihood that things like contingencies and escalations will drive it above that.”
 

“Premier Mike Rann needs to start being open and transparent by naming the true cost of redeveloping Adelaide Oval. South Australians are sick and tired of this Government’s arrogance,” Mr Evans said.