BASKETBALL Mount Gambier’s tabled discussion paper considers three scenarios for the future of the association.
To relocate all operations to the proposed $39.1m sport and recreation centre, to stay at the existing stadium and make no material changes to the facility or to stay at the stadium and undertake significant capital improvements to bring the stadium up to an acceptable standard.
If the city’s peak basketball association relocates to Mount Gambier City Council’s proposed multi-million dollar sports hub, overall hire cost has been estimated at $160,000 per year.
The association would potentially save $70,000 per year as it would no longer be responsible for cleaning, insurance and facility maintenance at the Bern Bruning Stadium, however it would lose an estimated $40,000 per year given potential loss of income from the bar, canteen and hiring the facility to the Pioneers and other sporting clubs.
If Basketball Mount Gambier remains at the existing stadium, the discussion paper recommends the basketball community undertake significant capital improvements to sustain the sport.
Capital improvements considered essential include replacement of the existing amenities (changerooms, toilets and showers), replacement of administration facilities, external cladding to all walls, extension to include a fourth court, internal refurbishments and utilities upgrade (power, fire safety, water and sewerage).
The capital cost for improvements at the existing stadium is estimated at “well above” $6m.
Basketball Mount Gambier will consider expressing “in principle” interest in using the proposed sport and recreation centre, pending final direction from council as to hire costs and access.
