Moira Shire Administrator John Tanner AM is set to make a decision on the likelihood of the construction advancing to be announced at the May 24 ordinary council meeting after consulting with several user groups over the past two months.
Basketball Victoria General Manager of Government Relations and Facilities Jake Keogh has reiterated the peak body for basketball in Victoria’s support behind the stadium being built.
“We are trying to help the Yarrawonga Mulwala Basketball Association (YMBA) as much as we can in getting this project across the line,” Mr Keogh said.
“While everyone involved in basketball is appreciative of the assistance YMBA have been given to be able to hold their domestic competitions, unfortunately the school courts are not adequate for competition use and the numbers of courts required to accommodate the growing number of players isn’t adequate for current and future needs.
“Currently, they operate all of these programs out of the two single school courts which were built for school use, not competition programs that are meant to play on compliant courts with seats for spectators, all-ability access and adequate parking and access.
“Without facilities the children will get turned away.
“Access is key and we have found with the YMBA that it is essentially a 50/50 split between male and female competitors.
“If females don’t have their own change rooms and toilets, women and girls will walk away from playing basketball in town or all together.
“This stadium will be there and will be used for years to come, not just for now.
“If it is not done now it won’t get done.
“We are a massive support of the project and believe it should go ahead for the betterment of sport in the area and the community in general.”
In an interview with the Yarrawonga Chronicle last week Mr Tanner said there was still further work to be done on the multisport stadium before definite decisions are made on its future.
He highlighted that there was work to be done on the on-going management of the facility, which he hoped to have more to report on for the May council meeting.
“The issues there as far as management is concerned is to ensure whatever money is spent on the stadium is not going to be an ongoing burden on the community,” Mr Tanner said.
“In saying that it has to be balanced in regard to the need of the community, it’s not just an issue as far as the cost is concerned, but it’s also weighing up all the benefits to the community.
“We must do the necessary due diligence, as this was not done before.”
