Basketball Ballarat chief executive officer Peter Eddy said the region’s well-regarded event status was crumbling away with aging facilities. The Ballarat Sports and Events Centre project is bidding for $10 million in federal funding to take it from a good redevelopment on state and council money to a highly-competitive multi-purpose venue.

Ballarat MP and Labor candidate Catherine King made a $5 million election promise that would help add five extra courts, instead of a desired six, and deliver the 3000-seat showcourt.

Liberal candidate Sarah Wade was yet to confirm if the Liberals would support the transformational project but last weekend Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull pledged $10.5 million for a new netball stadium in Melboune’s east, right in the heart of marginal seat Deakin.

“We have been lobbying since November 2006 for federal funding for improved indoor sports and events facilities for Western Victoria,” Mr Eddy said. “All indoor sports groups have worked tirelessly to ensure that we promote and prove the case for this regional facility based on merit and need.

“Everyone we speak with acknowledges the worth and value of the project but we cannot seem to move beyond that to a formal commitment from the government, while other similar projects at Frankston and in the Deakin electorate have been supported.”

Mr Eddy said the BSEC project had been near success under rounds one and two of the National Stronger Regions Fund, again modifying on feedback for a live round three application. The campaign has pushed for bi-partisan reassurance in the election race.

Ms Wade did not comment on the project when contacted by The Courier on Friday, but last week attacked Labor’s promise as false hope and said Labor lacked a credible way to pay for their promises.

BSEC is endorsed and is listed as a priority by all six Central Highlands councils.