It’s come to this

I have been watching with some amusement the debate down there in Adelaide that is raging around a scheme to re-develop the "Adelaide Oval".

The main characteristic of the so called debate is that "truth and facts" have gone missing in action - but who is surprised by that?

Apparently today, the members of the SA Cricket Association (who control the existing oval) will "vote" on whether the re-development will proceed. And so a few thousand geriatric Adelaide elite are tasked with making this decision for and on behalf of everyone in the state. As if? What was that about the "old boys" club running the place?

Apparently all the other vested interests stakeholders have already agreed that the re-development is necessary and the taxpayers - via the State Government are funding it to the tune of $535 million. Of course most of these vested interests stakeholders already have their snouts lined up at the trough. All ready for the starters gun.

From what little factual information is available, the con argument is that it is a waste of public funds that could be better spent on other more pressing state infrastructure. Infrastructure that would benefit all South Australians - not just a few "old boys".

The pro argument is that if this development doesn't go ahead then the people of the eastern states will be laughing at little old Adelaide. Say what? So there isn't a *pro* argument - there is merely a story being put about by the vested interests stakeholders that the place will be viewed as "anti-development" if the thing doesn't happen.

I think we have been here before - usually when some vested interests stakeholders have managed to scam some deal or another that ends up costing the poor old taxpayer and it is in danger of being vetoed then we hear how the place is about to become a "laughing stock".

Someone should quietly explain to Mr Rann and his cronies that they have a responsibility to manage the place for all South Australian's - not just those "old boys" who are obsessed with cricket and football.