NSW Government to establish venues agency

The NSW Government is advancing plans to create a new statutory authority, Venues NSW, to manage many of the state's regional and suburban sport and entertainment venues.

Unveiling the plans NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley, outlined that the new authority will replace the Hunter Region Sporting Venues Authority, Illawarra Venues Authority and Parramatta Stadium Trust.

In a media release Minister Annesley stated "the establishment of Venues NSW will effectively rationalise the current structures and set-up an authority to oversee existing and future NSW Government venues."

Facilities to be part of Venues NSW include Parramatta Stadium; WIN Stadium, Wollongong; WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong; Ausgrid Stadium, Newcastle; the Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Showground; along with other venues managed by the Hunter Region Sporting Venues Authority (Hunter Venues).

Minister Annesley said the change would streamline the current operations of these important facilities, adding "Venues NSW will maximise efficiencies and opportunities by taking advantage of economies of scale to make NSW even more competitive in attracting major events.

"There will be a continuation of local representation, with Local Venues Councils being established in the Hunter, Illawarra and Western Sydney Regions.

"Importantly, the Chair of each Local Venues Council will be a member of the Board, as local community involvement will be a key focus of Venues NSW.

"This will ensure local communities continue to have a voice in the running of their sporting and entertainment facilities, and that Venues NSW meets local needs.

"It makes good sense for these venues to be co-ordinated by one entity.

"This structure is already in place interstate and has proven to be very successful.

"Venues NSW will deliver better outcomes, and be well positioned to take advantage of new opportunities in sport and entertainment which is vital to local interests and the NSW economy."

Image shows the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.

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