Local Polly Finally Sees the
Light

With state-wide Council elections taking place this Saturday, R2K decided to do a bit of polling of their own and asked prominent local candidates their opinion on the future of Oki Jubilee Stadium, the spiritual home of the St George Bank Dragons.

Sitting Labour candidate Michael Platt is the first to admit he hasn't always been a fan of OKI Jubilee Stadium. When it was called Kogarah Jubilee Oval, Platt had a problem with what he perceived as inadequate local parking. However, Platt notes that this issue was overcome when Kogarah Council built a 224 space car park in Derby Street and when the State Government funded a multi-storey car park at Kogarah's Railway Station.

With the parking hurdle out of the way, it was then a matter of fixing up the ground, which had fallen into disrepair.

"I think it is a great improvement on what existed previously," said Platt, who supported the allocation of funds and Council resources.

"But I think more is needed and I will work with R2K and the Leagues Club to finish the job we started."

When asked about the lights needed for NRL night games, Councillor Platt was enthusiastic:

"Absolutely. It is the start of the 21st Century and the community deserves 21st Century facilities"

Michael's commitment to local sport stretches beyond OKI. He is also an advocate for more sporting and leisure facilities, including a skate park for Carss Park.

Michael's work has found him an ally in swimming coach Dick Caine. Caine has publicly supported Michael Platt by saying he is a strong supporter of youth and the community in Kogarah; high praise indeed from a man who usually has little time for politicians and their ilk.

A future with lights at OKI is looking very bright indeed!