17 Feb 2017 Wangaratta Chronicle, Wangaratta VIC (General News) by Brad Worrall $2.6 million project will double Myrtleford stadiums MYRTLEFORD will get its long-awaited multimillion dollar basketball stadium. On Monday, more than two decades after a feasibility report first outlined the existing indoor courts failings, Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) announced $1.3million in Victorian Government money for a major upgrade. That contribution will be matched with $ 1.25 million from Alpine Shire Council and a further $50,000 from the Myrtleford and District Basketball Association. The $2.6 million project is expected to be included in this years council budget and completed at some point in the following financial year. The new building with a distinctive sloping roof will feature another basketball court but is also expected to be used to host regional tournaments as well as netball, table tennis, indoor soccer, gymnastics, group fitness and school holiday activities. The new stadium will be built at the Myrtleford recreation reserve, adjacent to the existing indoor court that will also get a makeover in the process. A breezeway will connect both buildings. Alpine Shire Council mayor Ron Janas said it was a win for Myrtleford and the surrounding districts. This is a great result for sport and recreation in Myrtleford, he said. We expect this stadium will bring people here for competitions and that in turn will provide an economic benefit to the wider community. The stadium is a key recreation facility for the community and this extension means more people will have the opportunity to participate in their favourite sport. More than 15 sporting and recreation groups provided letters of support for the project, showing how much desire there is in the community to expand this facility. Ms Symes admitted she grew up on a basketball court in Benalla. She said sports like basketball and netball are as popular as ever, but in many locations players have to wait until late at night just so they can play the games they love. Weve listened to Myrtleford sports clubs, who say they need more space to welcome more members than ever before, Ms Symes said. In September 2014, council was granted $30,000 funding from Sport and Recreation Victoria to evaluate the feasibility and options for a second indoor stadium court in Myrtleford. Three site options were considered, including partnerships on school sites. The study recommended expanding the existing facility. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.