Stadium possible through partnership

 A TAX credit arrangement has allowed companies like Oil Search to become partners in nation building through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill made these remarks recently while officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony to commence the construction of this state-of-the-art stadium on the former Lloyd Robson Oval site.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said the government had provided the tax credit scheme which enabled Oil Search to come on board to facilitate the transformation of the iconi venue into a national rugby league stadium capable of seating up to 25,000 spectators.

“The stadium will meet international standards and have a higher seating capacity,” O’Neill said.

“The Lloyd Robson Oval, as we all know, has been the centre of many sporting events, especially rugby league, for many years.

“This is an important sporting infrastructure in PNG, and the government has invested significantly in it.”

O’Neill said it was important that the government worked closely with the private sector to develop a business model that would sustain infrastructures like the stadiums as was the case in venues around the world.

He said the government was looking forward to working closely with Oil Search managing the venue which would make it the premier rugby league ground in the country.

“This government is entirely committed to rebuilding sporting infrastructure throughout the country.

“I am sure many Papua New Guineans support the government’s move to improve infrastructure, not only of our sporting venues but other institutions like the hospitals, schools and others.”

The stadium is expected to be completed by mid 2015.