Benjamin Millar
Construction of a new multipurpose indoor stadium in Bacchus Marsh is one step closer with Moorabool council putting out a public tender for the project.
The stadium project, part of the Taverner Street Sports Precinct development, will include four sports courts and change facilities as well as meeting rooms, an administration office and a cafeteria.
The council has set aside funding for the project in this year’s budget, topped up by $1.9 million through the state government’s Local Sports Infrastructure Better Indoor Stadiums grant program.
Mayor Tom Sullivan said it was exciting to send the multi-million dollar project to tender stage.
“We’re very excited to deliver this much-needed stadium, part of a much larger investment in sport and recreation in Moorabool to cater for our population growth,” he said.
Cr Sullivan said the four indoor courts should be enough to meet current shortfalls and encourage participants from a variety of sports, including basketball, netball, volleyball and futsal (indoor soccer).
Bacchus Marsh Basketball Association (BMBA) president Wayne Slack said the basketball community is extremely excited about the opportunities the new stadium will bring the sport in the region.
“As an Association, we have grown well beyond the capacity available with the existing basketball facilities available to the BMBA,” he said.
“So we are excited that the new four court facility will enable increased volumes for training, playing and also representative basketball, whilst ensuring the very best in game day conditions for all senior and junior players, coaches and spectators alike.”
Bacchus Marsh Netball Association’s Andrew Burr said the association looks forward to construction starting as soon as possible.
“The new Bacchus Marsh indoor stadium will be a welcome addition to the sports facilities in the town and will contribute to the growth in our sport,” he said.
“Having access to a high-class stadium will enable us to attract more participants across all age groups and help showcase netball to the Bacchus Marsh community.”
Buninyong MP Michaela Settle said the state government’s $1.9 million investment will help keep the community active and engaged in local sports, while Melton MP Steve McGhie said the new centre will provide state of the art facilities for kids to get involved in their local sporting teams.
