Venues NSW chair Morris Iemma to focus on Hunter Park master plan

Former NSW Premier Morris Iemma has been appointed chair of Venues NSW, which operates NSW government-owned stadiums and arenas including McDonald Jones Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground. It comes after Tony Shepherd retired from the role in February 2023.

Mr Iemma told the Sydney Morning Herald his immediate priority was to complete master plans for the Newcastle and Wollongong precincts.

Mr Iemma's appointment has come under fire from the opposition as sons work for Premier Chris Minns.

Deputy Premier Prue Car said Mr Iemma had "much experience, particularly in sport and community sport" and "he is eminently qualified to perform that new role".

"I know that Morris Iemma has said that his first order of business is to do specific plans for the Hunter and Wollongong," she said.

"We are committed to making sure we are a government for all regions and that obviously will include the growing and booming area of Newcastle and the Hunter more generally."

NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper says the government is "reviewing the long-term development strategy" for Hunter Park.

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