A $4.5 million upgrade to Geraldton Basketball Stadium is getting underway following the delivery of a McGowan Government election commitment towards the project.
The major upgrade to the facility will include the construction of four new indoor courts for the Geraldton Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) and forms part of the McGowan Government’s Plan for Geraldton.
In a key milestone for the project, local company Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets has now been appointed to carry out the works.
The project will be jointly funded by the State Government through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries ($3.5 million), the GABA ($500,000) and the City of Geraldton ($550,000).
The GABA currently has over 2,300 members and operates a high standard junior and senior competition as well as the Buccaneers State Basketball League team.
The Aussie Hoops, Midnight Basketball Program for indigenous youth and the Wheelchair Competition also use the facility, providing benefits to the wider community.
The expansion of Geraldton Basketball Stadium will enable growth of the sport in the Greater Geraldton region, doubling the number of indoor courts to eight.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“Investing in local sporting organisations like the Geraldton Amateur Basketball Association is part of my Government’s commitment to keep local communities healthy and strong.
“The stadium will get a significant upgrade as a result of this funding injection, which
will give the sport of basketball more capacity to grow in Geraldton.”
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Tony Buti:
“Providing better places for people to play sport and recreate helps keep Western Australians active, healthy and more connected with their communities.
“There are no other large, indoor, covered court facilities in the City of Greater Geraldton or Mid-West.
“Investing in this facility will not only allow for the growth of basketball in the region, but also create jobs and project work for local WA businesses.”
As stated by Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:
“As the local member for Geraldton I am thrilled to see that the McGowan Labor Government is investing in sports infrastructure that will benefit Geraldton for decades to come.
“I want to extend congratulations to the GABA board and volunteers for their hard work and persistence in making this project a reality.
“It’s a great day for the GABA and it’s a privilege to have been able to help along the way as the member for Geraldton.”
