Stadium moves a step closer

By Callan Date
THE much-anticipated Timbarra basketball stadium moved a step closer to reality at last week’s Casey council meeting.
Councillors voted to commit to the concept and planning of a six-court stadium at the site of the yet-to-be-built Timbarra year seven to 10 college.
Casey will refer $100,000 to the 2007-08 budget to cover the cost of planning purposes for the proposed facility.
Councillor Rob Wilson raised the motion and inspired fellow councillors with a three-minute video presentation highlighting the desperate need for more basketball courts in the north of Casey.
The State Government has already committed $500,000 to the stadium and Casey hope the upcoming Federal election campaign may provide more funding.
The whole development is expected to cost about $8 million dollars – shared by the three tiers of government.
The Oatlanders-Outlaws Basketball Club will be a major tenant of the proposed stadium. The club has outgrown its existing facility with over 450 players making up 60 teams currently competing.
Teams train all over Casey, including Eumemmerring College, Berwick Secondary College and Berwick Leisure Centre, with the club having no real permanent base.
Councillors rigorously debated the issue for about 20 minutes with basketball club officials listening in the public gallery.
“We could fill all six courts every night of the week with the demand we have at the moment,” Cr Wilson said.
He said Timbarra Primary School, along with the new secondary college, would also use the facilities extensively.
“Oatlanders have waited while other Casey sporting clubs have had facilities built,” he said.
Cr Mick Morland also strongly supported the proposal.
“We should be doing everything we can to make this happen straight away,” Cr Morland said.