Stadium hopes high

By Kelly Yates
CASEY Council is hopeful plans for a new sports stadium are a step closer with news that a proposed secondary college at Berwick will be fast-tracked.
The council hopes provision for the stadium can be included in a Master Plan for the secondary college, adjacent to Timbarra Primary School.
Council officers have met with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development representatives and architects to develop the Master Plan.
According to council officers, it was agreed that a joint approach to the design and construction of the school, including the Timbarra Basketball Stadium, could be in the best interests of both parties.
The Timbarra Basketball Stadium project, which will provide a three-court training facility, has been planned to be developed for a number of years.
The council officers have also had meetings with relevant stakeholders, councillors and representatives of the Oatlanders Basketball Club to ensure their input to the process is included.
The final decision to proceed to construction within the next financial year will be decided at the May State Government budget.
If successful, detailed design for the facility would start soon after, according to the council.
Officers are set to report back to council following the budget to recommend a preferred way forward for council’s contribution to the project.