Women's World Cup

The Hon. F. PANGALLO (14:35): Is the Treasurer aware or does he agree that an additional number of other soccer grounds in Adelaide will now need to be upgraded with male and female change rooms in the lead-up to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup because Hindmarsh Stadium will be in lockdown for up to eight weeks and those teams will require training facilities?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (14:35): I am hoping the Hon. Mr Pangallo is a supporter of the Women's World Cup being here in South Australia. The answer to the honourable member's question is yes, we are aware of that, and that is why the government, in its sporting infrastructure plan, has already been upgrading facilities.

I will let the Hon. Mr Pangallo in on a little secret, just between the honourable member and myself and no-one else: one of the key features of the government's bid—the bid, as I am advised, was just below the minimum requirement of 20,000 spectators; I think we have pitched it at just over 18,000 with a little bit of temporary accommodation, because I think currently the permanent seating is around about 16,000, approximately. One of the features, I am advised, that distinguished our bid was that FIFA were not just looking at the suitability of the stadium, they were actually looking at what legacy the bid and the investment from government would leave for the world game here in South Australia.

Part of that was indeed the issue the honourable member has talked about. So the massive investment we are making out at State Sports Park in the north in terms of soccer facilities and pitches was an important part of that particular bid. I am struggling to remember the dollars. I think it is somewhere between $20 million and $30 million combined going into that particular facility out there, with a massive upgrade of soccer facilities in that particular area and then right across the suburban area.

To be fair, the former government started some of the upgrades of some of the pitches and facilities around metropolitan Adelaide. This government, of course, is delivering further in relation to those particular areas. So the honourable member's point is well made. I hope it was made in the spirit of constructive support for the wonderful success that this government has achieved in relation to being nominated as one of the host cities for the Women's World Cup in 2023.