LABOR has committed to spending $15 million on the redevelopment of the Frankston Basketball Stadium if it wins the federal election.
The planned upgrade is expected to include the addition of two new basketball courts, the full redevelopment of courts seven and eight as multi-purpose basketball courts, refurbishment works on courts one to four, an improved foyer and office spaces, gymnastics facilities, and mezzanine spectator viewing.
Frankston Council has committed $15 million to the project and asked for matching commitments from the state and federal governments. Dunkley MP Peta Murphy and shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers made the funding announcement.
Ms Murphy said that the upgrade is necessary to “make sure there are enough courts for everyone to play.”
“Over 8,000 people regularly participate at Frankston Basketball. It’s one of the biggest basketball associations in Australia, and it’s still growing,” she said. “A federal Labor government will invest in the upgrade of Frankston Basketball Stadium. It will mean new basketball courts, more change rooms and better community spaces. And there’s room for gymnastics too. But best of all, it’ll mean more locals can get involved.”
Frankston mayor Nathan Conroy welcomed the announcement, saying “this project has been identified as one of five key advocacy projects ahead of the 2022 federal and state elections, and is underpinned by robust feasibility, concept development, independent costings and community consultation.”
“I’d like to congratulate and thank Frankston District Basketball Association and Bayside Gymnastics Club for their efforts to date in ensuring our representatives understand how important this project is to our community,” Cr Conroy said.
“We still need equal commitments of $15 million from federal government and state government and opposition in order to bring this exciting project to life and I look forward to continuing discussions with all levels and political interests to achieve this.”
Although the federal Liberal government has not yet committed funds to the redevelopment, Liberal Dunkley candidate Sharn Coombes says she is “a huge advocate for this project”.
“I have met with the FDBA and Frankston City Council on multiple occasions to discuss this important project, and I am taking the fight to Canberra,” she said. “Local sport is so important to our community, and is incredibly beneficial for us socially and mentally.”
Although election campaigning has not officially started, announcements and pledges have begun to be made. The federal election is widely expected to take place in May.