Permit delay keeps Wurdi Baierr seats empty

THE retractable tiered seating at Wurdi Baierr Stadium can now be positioned alongside the show court, but the Surf Coast Shire is still waiting on a building permit to enable the structure to be used.

The project, initially expected to be completed in April, has faced repeated setbacks after it was revealed the aisles between the seats were too narrow to meet Australian Standards and posed a fire risk.

This forced a redesign of the structure that cut seating capacity from 592 to 553, an outcome the Surfcoast Basketball Association described earlier this year as “extremely disappointing”.

Works to rectify the errors are ongoing, with a building permit enabling the structure’s use initially expected by the end of August. Now October, this building permit has still not been issued.

“Council continues to work closely with the building surveyor and builder, with the building permit expected to be issued in the next couple of weeks,” said Damian Waight, the shire’s general manager of community life.

“Works completed to date allow the seating unit to be safely positioned next to the show court.

“The remaining works include installing additional emergency lighting required for when the seating unit is in use.

“Council officers are meeting regularly with stadium users to keep them informed and updated on the progress of the project.”

The stadium, located in Torquay North, has been funded by a $500,000 grant from the federal government.

A spokesperson for Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said her team is working closely with the shire to ensure the project delivers significant benefits to the basketball community on the Surf Coast.

“Libby actively works with delivery partners to ensure the community get the best outcome possible,” the spokesperson said.