Claws out as Tigers fans hit back

Tigers supporters have hit back at attempts by Balmain administrators to advance the controversial redevelopment of Balmain Leagues Club.

In an attempt to build momentum before the final ruling on the Rozelle Towers development the leagues club said it had delivered 4,748 submissions supporting the plan to the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure. A rally has also been planned for March 2.

The leagues club has recently been engaging members and fans by presenting the redevelopment as essential to the rugby league club’s ongoing financial viability.

But fans living in the area have spoken out against the club’s administrators and their plans for the Rozelle site.

Michael Gordon has lived in the area and supported Balmain since the 1980s. He describes himself as a regular at Leichhardt Oval but said residents can see the difference between supporting the club and supporting the current development application.

“While the community at large has always been supportive of the club and would like the club to return, the current development application is one that is an over-development of the site,” Mr Gordon said.

“The size and the scale of the development is just completely out of context with the local environment.”

The Rozelle Village redevelopment has met ongoing community objection. Under its current incarnation, the plan would see two towers built on the Victoria Rd site, with the tallest 24 storeys high.

In an open letter to Tigers members Leichhardt Mayor Darcy Byrne warned the redevelopment would bring no financial benefit to the club.

“Rozelle Village and its part-owner Benny Elias are playing on the passions of Tigers fans for financial gain. As it stands, this redevelopment will deliver huge profits for Mr Elias and his mates, but not a single dollar for the club,” he said.

Mr Gordon said locals did not think the redevelopment was in the interest of the club.

“Many in the community feel that this is developer greed as opposed to an attempt to have the leagues club return to its origin,” he said.

Last year Leichhardt Council asked the Independent Commission against Corruption to investigate Rozelle Village after accusations that Eddie Obeid had lobbied on behalf of Rozelle Village were revealed.