$6 million dollar grant for new basketball stadium in Warragul

Another major piece of sporting infrastructure has been ticked off Baw Baw Shire’s wish list with the announcement of a $6 million grant for a new basketball stadium in Warragul.

The $10.05 million project will secure a new two court stadium in the Warragul Leisure Centre precinct.

It is the second major funding windfall in four weeks, with council also securing a $2 million grant for a $4 million new sports and community pavilion at Bellbird Park, Drouin.

Both projects were listed in council’s 2021-22 draft budget but were dependent on external funding.

Council’s $4 million share of the project will be funded in its 2022-23 budget.

The $6 million grant through the state government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program will now ensure the new basketball stadium will be delivered next financial year.

The project is expected to create up to 54 jobs for the region with construction expected to take between 19 and 24 months.

Concept plans endorsed by council last year show a new stand-alone two court facility that will be developed south of the outdoor swimming pool, adjacent to Spring St.

The project includes two new indoor basketball and netball courts, a new reception and office area, spectator seating and lounge viewing area, two change rooms and public amenities including accessible change room.

The new stadium also will include a referee change room, first aid room, storage area, two multi-purpose rooms for group fitness or meetings, and 70 new car park spaces.
Shire community infrastructure director Cohen Van der Velde said detailed designs were currently being prepared.

“Council is investigating how these detailed designs could consider the possibility for a connection to the existing facility, which if possible, may form an option as part of the tender for this project. Any works to include a connection would be subject to available budget, market pricing and council resolution,” he said.

Mayor Danny Goss said council had worked closely with local sporting clubs to develop the concept plan.

Cr Goss, who in the past has been critical of the state government’s funding support to Baw Baw as a growth municipality, welcomed the announcement.

“The community of Baw Baw Shire will be very grateful to hear the news of this massive grant that has been awarded to us by the State Government.

"With huge pressure on all of our infrastructure caused by the big population growth our residents need to know that council is and will continue to fight hard on their behalf to access these funds. 

“New social and sporting infrastructure is desperately needed here. As is upgrades to older assets.

“Ratepayers cannot afford to build these sorts of stadiums alone. We need help from government.

“So, credit where credit is due. We have respectfully asked – and we have received. The State Government deserves our praise and our thanks for this money,” he said.

Cr Goss said basketball participation rates in Baw Baw Shire were double the state participation rate at 8.15 per cent.

He said there were 3951 Basketball Victoria registered participants and 1844 members registered with the Warragul and District Amateur Basketball Association.

The announcement for a second stadium on Friday night came 24 hours after games on court one in the current stadium had to be abandoned on Thursday night because of a leaking roof.

Mr Van der Velde said council was working to address the roof leaks at WLC in consultation with the YMCA and the basketball association.

Mr Van der Velde said regular investigation and repairs had taken place to address the roof leaks.

“All leaks have been mapped and recorded. This is generally undertaken in the morning by the YMCA duty managers to ensure that any leaks are identified prior to using the courts during the day.

“If a rain event occurs later in the day prior to games or training, the time is noted when the inspection is undertaken. 

“Council is exploring all options to resolve the issue, taking into account the potential impact to programming within the venue,” he said.