More courts could cost $17.7 million

Concept designs for a major expansion of Warragul Leisure Centre to build four more indoor courts will be developed by Baw Baw Shire.

But, the project is expected to come with an estimated $17.7 million bill.

After receiving an indoor stadium feasibility study in June, council has agreed to prepare designs for a two stage expansion of the leisure centre basketball courts.

Council also will consider allocating funds in next year’s budget for a two court expansion at Bellbird Park in Drouin.

The feasibility study provided an analysis of current conditions, usage and operation of existing indoor sports stadiums, while also investigating future needs and demands for indoor facilities.

The study considered three main options – expansion of WLC, expansion of Bellbird Park, or a new facility on a greenfield site. Community feedback strongly supported the expansion of WLC first.

Officers suggested council consider partner funding options for the project, including government funding or loan borrowings, as well as the private business sector and YMCA.

Officers said council also could explore opportunities for utilising its developer contribution funds and how these could potentially be a source of additional funds. Project costs outlined in the report included: Warragul Leisure Centre Stage one - two new courts, retractable seating for 1000 spectators, amenities, associated carpark infrastructure and circulation, $10 million.

Stage two - two additional courts, additional car parking, conversion of the existing two courts and additional circulation, $7.7 million.

Bellbird Park - two new courts, amenities, carpark and circulation, $9.3 million. Greenfield site - $20 to $25 million. Council has $85,000 in its current budget to undertake the concept design works.

Cr Danny Goss said it was about seeking funding opportunities for indoor stadiums, firstly in Warragul and secondly at Bellbird Park.

He said the indoor stadium feasibility study presented to council demonstrated a well established need for more indoor courts and facilities.

“Warragul makes perfect sense to kick this off. It’s a large sporting precinct with the pool, netball and tennis courts and running track.

Cr Goss said the estimated cost of these projects was enormous and “simply can’t be funded by ratepayers under the current rate capping regime. He said borrowing money was a sensible way to deliver capital works.

“We need to get this moving. We want to be an action council. We can’t be shy about these sort of projects. People want infrastructure and they want it delivered,” he said.

Cr Joe Gauci said council would do the design works for four courts and then decide where another two should be built.

“Who knows, we might get the government saying they will build all four. They know we are desperate for these courts and it’s sport…we should be spending money on sports facilities,” he said.

Cr Keith Cook spoke against the recommendation but then voted in favour of the motion.

He said $17.7 million for Warragul and then possibly another $9.3 million for Drouin was more than council spent on the arts centre.

“How can ratepayers afford this. How can we possibly fund something like this?

Cr Cook said in a rate capped environment council had a limited amount of income and it would be difficult to meet locan repayments.

Cr Cook suggested extended hours at WLC and Bellbird Park to cater for more basketball games and relieve the pressure.

Cr Darren Wallace said it was the first step in a long process and the motion was seeking funding opportunities, not committing to building the courts.

“We need to be ready for when funds are available. When the state and federal governments come knocking, these plans will give us the best opportunities for minimising the funds from our ratepayers,” he said.