USERS of Kerang’s major indoor sports venue are already reaping the benefits of an upgrade to the facility’s roof.
Works occurred during late December and January to replace the roof at the Kerang Amateur Basketball Association stadium, with the former structure suffering from leaks and other issues.
“We had an existing roof which was full of rust holes and was under a great deal of repair,” basketball association committee member, Susie Martins said.
“In the winter months we were getting anything up to 1.5 centimetres of water on the courts; not only when it rained but also from frost condensation.”
The association successfully applied for a $50,000 Gannawarra Shire Council grand to complete the $160,000 works, with the remainder of the funds coming from the organisers of Kerang’s major senior and junior basketball competitions.
“We’re just ecstatic to get it done and to get that $50,000 from the shire. If we hadn’t we would probably still be fundraising for it,” Martins said.
“We were also able to insulate the roof which makes the playing surface much more comfortable.
“We’ve noticed a massive difference. On your 45 degree days it would be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than it was before we had the insulation.”
Local tradespeople completed the project – a decision that had added benefits for the stadium.
“They had it done on time and within budget, and spotted other problems in the roof they fixed free of charge. We were very fortunate,” Martins said.
Unfortunately, the project has depleted the committee’s funds reserve, with rooms adjacent to the venue’s two courts still in need of renovation.
“It’s the hope for the future that someone takes it on board and get a fantastic venue for the community,” Martins said.
“The basketball committee is certainly open to suggestions or [anyone who would] go on the sub-committee to form that five to 10-year planning project to revamp the stadium.”
For now though, Martins said the close to 400 basketballers who use the facility, as well as badminton players and visitors to functions held at the stadium, can enjoy events in comfort.
This includes tonight’s junior basketball grand finals, which begin at 5.30pm with the under 12 boys and under 13 girls deciders.
