THE state government has approved a new plan of management for Muddy Creek which envisages commercial development along the foreshore and a plan to demolish the old St George Stadium. Planning Minister Tony Kelly last week announced approval of the plan for the Kyeemagh precinct which is bordered by Bestic Street and the Cooks River. The area includes Barton Park, where the disused St George Stadium is located, and two registered clubs — Brighton-Le-Sands Amateur Fishermen’s Association and Kyeemagh RSL Club. The area also includes Kyeemagh Boat Ramp Reserve, where $260,000 in upgrades such as parking, new picnic facilities and the boat ramp were completed last year. The plan would mean the existing derelict St George Stadium is demolished and long-term plans drawn up for the development of a multi-use sports complex, adjoining open space, and commercial facilities. Meantime, the recreational areas next to the stadium would continue to be used. St George Football Association with its 8000 members, and the associated St George Football Club, have used the stadium and its adjoining grounds since 1976. They renegotiate its temporary licence permit annually with Rockdale Council. Association spokeswoman, and former Rockdale mayoress, Christine Stavropoulos, said it was hoped the plan of management could help secure the stadium premises as a permanent home for the club and association, which originally built them. Ms Stavropoulos said improvements to the grounds would benefit the whole football community, not just St George. Rockdale mayor Bill Saravinovski said the council wanted the club to stay at the grounds. The plan would fit in with the Cooks Cove development which has been in administration since 2009, and has meant the relocation of Kogarah Golf Club to Barton Park and a loss of open space to make way for a $1 billion commercial precinct. The plan envisages ‘‘establishing accommodation near Barton Park’’ and restaurant and cafes along Muddy Creek. It would also allow pedestrian and cycle ways around the foreshore, a bridge constructed at Muddy Creek and a growers’ and fish market at Lance Studdert Reserve, which borders the heritage gardens. Rockdale Labor candidate Steve Kamper said the new plan of management was good news for the community, and would form the basis of future decision-making and how open space around Muddy Creek was used. ‘‘Whether it is the redevelopment of Barton Park, the improved boat launching ramps, swing moorings, associated parking, community facilities, a pedestrian/cycleway, or the areas of open space, this plan has something for everyone,’’ Mr Kamper said. But Liberal candidate and Rockdale councillor John Flowers said it was another example of state Labor rushing through a decision before going into caretaker mode. ‘‘Signing off on the plan at five-minutes-to- midnight before the Labor government goes into caretaker mode appears unseemly,’’ he said. ‘‘There is no comprehensive vision for the St George Stadium or to revitalise this precinct in general.’’ Greens candidate Lauren Moore ‘‘cautiously’’ welcomed a re-built stadium. BY MARIANNA PAPADAKIS 08 Mar, 2011 04:00 AM