Do not expect a final decision on the stadium today. That is the word from Dunedin city councillors polled by the Otago Daily Times last night.
Rather than call a halt to the proposed $188 million stadium in Awatea St, it appears likely the council will wait a week or more to hear what assistance it might get from central Government.
Stadium supporter Cr Michael Guest said he was "sure" today would not be "D-day", particularly as the Government had indicated over the weekend its announcement on infrastructure spending would be out this week.
"If there's a possibility of government assistance, then of course we can't make a decision either way [today].
It would be complete folly to say `No' [to the stadium] when we don't know if there's going to be a level of government assistance."
In a report to today's meeting, council chief executive Jim Harland says funding shortfalls for the stadium could be as high as $35 million.
His report contains the option to "stop the stadium now" or wait until the amount of government funding - if any - is known.
Cr Guest said he did not expect a "direct" government cheque for the stadium but there might be "indirect assistance to the council that amounts to the same thing".
He said he had heard there might be money for city roading projects; another councillor suggested government money might be directed to new sewerage works.
Stadium critic Cr Dave Cull believed the stadium deficit was more like $70 million than $35 million and the project should be stopped today.
"The desperate will always put it off in the hope that we might win Lotto.
"I don't see any point in continuing. It's just more money going down the drain."
Cr Colin Weatherall was one of several councillors willing to delay a decision while ways to bridge the $35 million gap were explored.
"I need to know if there has been any progress on narrowing that gap, from whatever source that may be, but I won't be supporting that it come from ratepayers."
Cr John Bezett said he was looking for more information.
"If the information that I'm seeking, and I know that others are seeking, isn't available, then it will carry on. Nobody should be surprised at that."
