Murray Bridge Regional Stadium project in jeopardy after funding cut

A local basketball association says it is disappointed and confused after funding was cut for the development of a state of the art regional stadium.

Funding has been dissolved for the Murray Bridge Regional Stadium project. Picture: Murray Bridge Basketball Association

The construction of a regional SA sporting stadium could be in jeopardy after recent cuts to federal funds have seen the project shelved, leaving a local basketball club confused and disappointed.

The development and construction of the proposed Murray Bridge Regional Stadium, intended to host basketball and other indoor sports in the area, is now uncertain after Murray Bridge Council concluded it would need to dissolve its Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) grant agreement last month.

Council, the Murray Bridge Basketball Association, federal member Tony Pasin and state member Adrian Pederick originally secured 3.9 million through council money, funding through the BBRF and funds from the Office of Recreation for stage one of the project in 2021.

It has since concluded the funds would not cover the required budget for stage one.

The Murray Bridge Basketball Association, on behalf of president Shirley Hartman and strategic development managers Matthew Mundy and James Vowles, recently sent a letter to Murray Bridge Council outlining its disappointment with the outcome.

Funding has been dissolved for the Murray Bridge Regional Stadium project. Picture: Brack Photography

“It’s extremely disappointing and to be quite honest perplexing to hear that despite all efforts, no scope changes or extensions of time can be provided to deliver the project as per BBRF funding requirements,” it said.

“As we have previously advised, our 600-member association is unfortunately suffering due to the inadequacy of the current facilities we must work with on a weekly basis.”

The letter also outlined a number of challenges faced by the association through lack of facilities, including unsafe playing conditions, lack of air conditioning resulting in cancelled games, parking, court maintenance, inadequate changing facilities and water ingress damage in storage and meeting rooms.

Mr Vowles said the MBBA sought clarity over the project’s future.

“We want more clarity, we don’t really understand why it’s not going ahead or what the plans are,” he said.

“It’s a high priority for Murray Bridge to have a multipurpose recreation facility for a number of sports.

“Our community will miss out in a big way if this can’t be completed and it would have a huge impact on what we’re able to cater for and the sporting talent we can support here.”

Rural City of Murray Bridge chief Heather Barclay said Council would do all it could to see stage one of the project come to fruition.

“Through the Covid period there was an uplift of building costs by about 40 per cent and our market approach told us the cost of stage one of construction far exceeded the funds we raised,” she said.

“The Liberal government funding through the BBRF doesn’t exist anymore under the current government

The Murray Bridge Basketball Association's current stadium is in dire need of an upgrade. Picture: Murray Bridge Basketball Association

and the government did not want to grant an extension of time, while the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing also indicated it would hold its funds and recommended we register interest for another fund which could see the stadium built.

“At this point we’re on hold, it’s not wise to move forward without the full amount of money and be stuck with a concrete slab.

“Everybody is doing everything in their power to at least deliver stage one but at this point in time without the federal money it’s not a project that can continue.”

Council will meet with the MBBA to outline its plans and approach next week.