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Work starts on Traralgon Basketball Stadium

Work has commenced on the $1.5 million redevelopment of the Traralgon Basketball Stadium complex which will be the venue for a number of preliminary matches to be played as part of the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

By Latrobe City Council - 29th April 2005 - Back to News

Latrobe City Mayor, Cr Bruce Lougheed, said that the redevelopment involves the removal of an ageing stadium which is being replaced with a facility twice the size.

"The new facility incorporates a show court with a five-metre run off which is ideal for the Commonwealth Games matches. The facility’s flexible design also allows for two courts side by side to suit training purposes and less significant matches," Cr Lougheed explained.

Cr Lougheed, said that work was on schedule to have the new facility up and running by the end of 2005.

"Traralgon is hosting the first two days of the Commonwealth Games basketball men’s and women’s competition on 16 and 17 March 2006. While the final fixtures have not yet been confirmed, it has been announced that over these two days, either the Australian men’s team or women’s team will be playing at Traralgon.

"The fact that world-class games are being played right here in our municipality, places Latrobe City at the forefront of international sport. For two days the eyes of sports fans across the world will be focused on what is happening here in Latrobe," Cr Lougheed said.

Member for Morwell, Brendan Jenkins, said he was delighted work on the redevelopment was underway.

"The Brack’s government has invested in key facilities in regional Victoria such as the Traralgon Basketball Stadium to provide access to quality facilities for regionally based athletes and to enable regions to host major events including the Commonwealth Games," Mr Jenkins said.

"These facilities will become more than where a world-class event takes place for a couple of days. Redevelopments such as the Traralgon Basketball Stadium act as a springboard for increased participation in sport and recreation across the state for all Victorians. Facilities developed for the Games will provide a lasting legacy that will serve the community for years to come," Mr Jenkins said.

Latrobe City’s Manager Leisure Facilities, Ian Murphy, said progress on the stadium redevelopment was on schedule. "Cladding has been removed from the steel frame and the forty-year-old floor has been cut into large sections for relocation.

"Materials recovery through the demolition process will ensure that the court that has seen literally thousands of basketball games is recycled, for a new life as an agricultural shed," Mr Murphy explained.

"Following the removal of materials, work will commence on the footings for the new double/show court.

"While the works are being completed, a number of competitions have adjusted their schedule to included games at local school facilities. This has allowed games to be played as normal, despite the temporary disruption.

Mr Murphy added that the transition to Council management of the stadium at the beginning of the year had gone smoothly. "Effectively, Council is employing the same people to administer the facility. Staff adapted well to the changeover and to any new roles, and there was no impact on the competitions," Mr Murphy said.

"Our staff are well informed of the facility upgrade that is currently taking place and are very enthusiastic about the lead up to the Commonwealth Games. They are actively becoming involved in discussions on planning for the Games events such as traffic management and emergency management, and in providing that once-in-a-lifetime experience for Games competitors and visitors when the spotlight falls on our region," Mr Murphy added.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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