MEMBER for Lismore Janelle Saffin says it is great to see players back in action at Lismore Basketball Stadium after its post-flood refurbishment.
“Thanks to state and federal funding Lismore has an excellent sports facility that can be used for representative competition. I recently attended the first representative game back in the stadium post-flood.
“Following the devastating 2022 floods, the Lismore Basketball Association received over $580,000 for repairs from the Sport Infrastructure Recovery Fund, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements as part of the broader Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package (CLIRP).
“It has been a long haul for the Lismore Basketball Association. After the flood the club persevered with games on the damaged and deteriorating floor, until moving to the Goonellabah Sport and Recreation Centre this year while the repairs were done.
“I supported the Association and Council in applying for funding for the rebuild. Council took over management of the site during the works and is today officially handing the stadium back to the Lismore Basketball Association.
“The replacement of the floor was funded with $1 million under the NSW Government and Commonwealth Natural Disaster Relief Assistance Program.
“The complex sub-floor works were funded by the NSW Office of Sport through grants from the Sport Infrastructure Recovery Fund totalling more than $580,000 and $50,000 under the Local Government Recovery Grants.
“I want to acknowledge the work of Association President Aaron Simpson, Treasurer Kay Simpson and Publicity Officer Cheryl Amor for their work, along with all the board members and supporters. Their efforts continue to make this an iconic local sporting institution.
Cheryl Amor said Bennetts had done a great job building back better and using local tradespeople which the club wanted.
“I would like to thank Council and Bennetts and Janelle Saffin who has been such a strong supporter of Lismore Basketball Association and has been with us every step of the way through this rebuild and before.
“Now that we are back we hope to rebuild our Association and attract new players.”
A Lismore Council spokesperson said each building that is repaired is an important milestone for Lismore’s recovery.
“You can’t underestimate the importance of each and every one of our damaged buildings being returned for community use,” the spokesperson said.
“Basketball is a very popular sport in Lismore and for those players to return to their home stadium is wonderful in terms of their mental and physical well-being.”
NSW Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, said:
Projects like these show the NSW Government’s commitment to repairing facilities in communities affected by natural disasters.
“Local sporting infrastructure plays a critical role in keeping communities healthy, active and connected and this is more vital than ever in areas that have been through such adverse events.”
“I look forward to seeing participants and fans return to the stadium and enjoy it for many, many years to come.”
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister said:
“The Albanese Government is committed to supporting Lismore and the Northern Rivers communities as they continue their road to recovery.
The Lismore Basketball Stadium is such an important asset for community and grassroots sport. I am so pleased to see the facility repaired and delivered back to the community,” Minister McAllister said.
“I congratulate those involved with the project, from Lismore Basketball Association, Lismore City Council, and the contractors for this achievement to get the stadium back in play for community basketball fans and the Lismore Storm.”
Background:
The first stage of the job was to cut an entry point in the brick wall of the stadium to gain access for demolition. Padded walls of the stadium were then removed and stored for later use. Asbestos was also removed at this time.
Next, subgrade earthworks were undertaken to the stadium floor and the screw piles installed. The Waffle pod system (structural flooring) was also installed, as were the steel cages and the slab reinforcement.
With the concrete slab laid, padded walls were built, sheeted and ready for pad installation. The moisture barrier was applied to the slab and waterstop installed around the perimeter of the building. A new Basketball hardwood timber floor from Kyogle was laid out for acclimatisation.
The flooring was laid, finally sanded, sealed and lined, and the new grandstand and score bench installed. Externally, the damaged driveway and footpath were repaired.
If anyone is interested in taking up basketball, call the Lismore Basketball Association on 0410 777 572 or contact via social media, www.facebook.com/LismoreStorm or Instagram lismore basketball.
The repair work was funded under Federal and State governments’ Natural Disaster Relief Assistance Program ($1 million) and Local Government Recovery Grants ($50,000), and the State Government’s Office of Sport Grants Sport Priority Needs Program ($236,853) and Essential Community Sports Asset Program ($344,510).
A file photo of Lismore MP Janelle Saffin discussing the project with Lismore Basketball Association Publicity Officer and Life Member Cheryl Amor.
