WAITING is taking its toll on Ballarat’s competitive edge for major indoor stadium events and hope for a modern, adequate facility remains in limbo as the new parliament meets for the first time on Tuesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Neighbouring rival Bendigo was this month awarded host rights for next year’s Basketball Australia under-20 and Ivor Burge (intellectual disability) championships. Ballarat no longer meets tendering standards. National Basketball League club Melbourne United will arrive for an exhibition match in town next week but has already signalled this could be the last time, due to Ballarat’s aging infrastructure.
Decisions remain pending on a grant sought for the Ballarat Sports and Events Centre under National Stronger Regions Fund’s third and final funding round.
Initially delayed by the July 2 federal election, The Courier understands the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development has been briefing the government on NSRF applications but is yet to confirm a new time frame for decisions.
City of Ballarat and Basketball Ballarat are seeking $10 million under NSRF to fully-develop the BSEC project. This will add to the $14 million stage one development, funded by the City and state, and create a 3000-seat show court and larger multi-purpose floor space.
Patron senator for Ballarat Mitch Fifield said he recognised the BSEC project’s importance for western Victoria and across the state. The senator toured existing Norman Street site facilities during the election campaign.
“These major projects are not just a venue for sports, but also community hubs,” Senator Fifield said. “...I always stand ready to support projects that achieve these outcomes.”
BSEC has taken on feedback from two unsuccessful NSRF bids. Regional Development Minister Fiona Nash has since refocused the NSRF, after round three, to the Building Better Regions Fund for regional, rural and remote areas. The new fund will instead assess infrastructure projects against those of similar size. A spokesperson for Minister Nash said NSRF grants were hotly contested and round three was being carefully considered.