Page 6 - BOL June 21 Edition

Dolphins Lead The Charge olphins Lead The Charge
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for NRL Licenceor NRL Licence

In an unprecedented show of bipartisan unity and “While other bids are scrambling to generate momentum,
determination - every politician in the Moreton Bay Region we can clearly demonstrate that every local, state and federal
today signed a declaration of support to secure the available elected representative here in Moreton Bay Region is on the
NRL licence for the region. same team behind the Dolphins,” Minister Dutton said.

Federal Defence Minister Peter Dutton and Queensland Deputy “All levels of Government have been investing heavily in
Premier Steven Miles were two of many public figures who Moreton Bay Region and that’s kept our economy on track, but
joined Mayor Peter Flannery at Council’s Leadership Forum in an securing an NRL licence would elevate the sense of community
emphatic display of what the region is willing to do to get the pride and vibrancy here like never before.”
Dolphins over the try line.
Deputy Premier and Member for Murrumba Steven Miles said
“The Dolphins have been dreaming of this day for 70 years and regardless of political colours, everyone was wearing Dolphins
their business case is compelling,” Mayor Peter Flannery said. red in support of their bid to join the NRL.

“But with NRL Chairman Peter V’Landys announcing Expressions “Moreton Bay is the obvious choice as the third largest local
of Interest opening today, we wanted to ensure our bid and the government area in Australia with 480,000 residents and a
resolve behind it is impossible to ignore. population projection that will see us surpass the State of
Tasmania by 2031,” Mr Miles said.
“We are one of Australia’s great rugby league heartlands, and
with the way the Broncos are playing at the moment locals “Our fan base will stretch from the northern suburbs of Brisbane
rightly want to see a competitive team that can take Queensland all the way up to Bundaberg, giving Sunny Coast and Fraser
to the top of the ladder - I’ll back the Dolphins to do that! Coast residents a team they can get behind.

“A successful bid would bring huge economic stimulus, including “We’ve already seen existing NRL clubs like Penrith, Newcastle,
investment from interstate to one of Australia’s fastest growing St George Illawarra and Cronulla establish successful franchises
local government areas and forge a new nationally recognisable in catchments outside major cities, and they’ve done it with
identity that everyone in our community can be proud of.” much smaller population bases.
Signing the accord, Member for Dickson Peter Dutton said it put “As a life-long League fan, nothing would make me prouder
the Dolphins ahead of their rivals and set a tone for success. than seeing my local team, the Dolphins, enter the NRL.”