Torquay’s $3m pitch

Hope for indoor facility

SURF Coast Shire will ask for $3 million to fund a new $13.5 million indoor stadium in Torquay’s north.

Councillors agreed to write to the State Government to apply for a piece of the 2017-18 Better Indoor Stadiums Fund, which contributes up to $3 million for worthy sport and recreation centre projects.

The stadium was first proposed in 2011, and would include three courts and a carpark connected to the existing court at Surf Coast Secondary College.

Mayor Brian McKiterick said there was “an immediate need” for new indoor courts, with basketballers and netballers forced to drive into Geelong to play.

“Existing indoor court facilities no longer meet standards and there is an immediate need for additional courts to meet current usage,” Cr McKiterick said. “The stadium would be designed and programmed as a multiuse facility to provide space for as many compatible uses as possible.”

State Sport Minister John Eren has welcomed the application.

“Our kids deserve facilities they can be proud of — that’s why we’re ensuring more people can play the sports they love where they want, when they want,” Mr Eren said.

“We welcome the shire’s application, and will continue to support grassroots sport in Geelong, on the Surf Coast and across Victoria.”

Cr Rose Hodge said she was “holding a lot of hope” the application would be approved. “I pray that we get the $3 million,” Cr Hodge said.

“It’s one of those things that’s been on the books well before 2011.”

Cr Martin Duke said the stadium could become a rallying cry in the lead-up to next year’s state election.

The state funding comes with one condition — council would be required to complete the project within 24 months of getting the cash.

The shire is prepared to commit up to $10.5 million in the 2018-19 council budget, $2.9 million from developer contributions cash reserve and $7.6 million from the developer contribution plan cash reserve.

There is not enough money in those reserves, so the shire has agreed to consider “required borrowings estimated to be up to $3.9 million”.