Stadium plan gets go-ahead

Once completed, the stadium will be open for use for both the school and the community.

The plans were approved at the October 22 council meeting, and shire mayor Rose Hodge said it was exciting to see progress being made.

“The planning permit means work can get under way shortly, so people in the area will start to see some action at the site in the next month or so.

“This is a huge project that is going to have a wide range of benefits.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how the whole community uses the space – from school activities to sports competitions to local events.

“It will be a place for all ages and all abilities.”

In addition to the extra courts, the plan for the stadium includes, a café, meeting rooms, change facilities, all abilities design features and additional car parking.

Surfcoast Basketball Association president Nicole Crammond said she was delighted to see the community’s growing interest in basketball recognised.

“Our association has worked tirelessly with government at all levels over a number of years to make this happen so we are very excited to see the stadium become a reality for our large basketball community.”

The $13.5 million project cost is made up of $5 million from the federal government, $3 million from the state government, $2.9 million from developer contributions, and $2.6 million from council.

While the council was approving a plan they submitted themselves, council’s general manager of environment and development Ransce Salan said this was common practice, and that there was a rigorous process to ensure no shortcuts are taken.

“We seek to be a model developer. Assessments are made based on planning schemes, and subject to public notifications and community scrutiny and input.

“In the interests of probity application for an indoor recreation facility at 75 White St and 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay, was subject to public notification and determined by Council via a public report.”

Cr Hodge said the project would be a collaborative effort.

“It’s wonderful collaborating on such an important project with visionary people at the school, in the community and at other levels of government. It’s a real team effort.”