NSW
Bathurst Regional Council has welcomed funding from the Federal Government which will go towards the re-roofing of the Bathurst Basketball Stadium.
Mayor of Bathurst, Jess Jennings said Council had been successful in receiving $400,000 from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
“Our bid for funding under this program has been successful and the funds will be used to re-roof part of the stadium.”
“Council has undertaken repairs to the Stadium roof in recent years including replacing leaking skylights, but this grant funding will allow for half of the basketball stadium roof to be replaced, a permanent solution to the issues with water leaking onto the stadium surface in that area.
“We would like to thank the local member Andrew Gee for his support in Council being successful in its funding application for this project. It is an important sporting facility locally, and this will make a big different at the stadium.
“We still have funding challenges to redress all of the works needed at the stadium which includes replacing the remainder of the roof and replacing the stadium flooring. Council is working with Basketball NSW which currently leases the facility, and we are continuing to seek grant funding for these projects,” Mayor Jennings said.
Independent Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, said the grant will help kick off construction to fix the frustrating roofing issues.
“Bathurst deserves an indoor sporting facility that not only meet the needs of sportspeople, but that inspires athletes to achieve their very best, and enables clubs to grow and thrive,” he said.
“Closures during wet weather events due to roofing issues are incredibly frustrating to organisers, teams, parents and supporters, and are discouraging to athletes who simply want to play the sport they love. Enough is enough.
“A major renovation is needed to weatherproof the facility and ensure that athletes across Bathurst and the region can rely on the centre being available rain, hail or shine.
“I am therefore very pleased that the Australian Government has provided funding to get the ball rolling on the much-needed and long-overdue repairs, with a $400,000 grant to complete section one of the roof reconstruction.”
The Minister said the funding was a positive start to help get the plans and preliminary works off the ground.
“However, further funding will undoubtedly be needed to see the roof restored. While I’m glad the Federal Government has kicked off the roof restoration project with a $400,000 grant further funds are needed. Council and Basketball NSW have my support as they look for further funds.”
“The next captain of the Opals, Diamonds or the Boomers could be from Bathurst, so let’s hope the final piece of this funding puzzle falls into place on the double so current athletes can excel, and future stars can shine,” said Minister Gee.
