Baseball project to inject $9 million into Lismore each year

UPDATE: National and international teams would train and play here for at least five years under a new agreement with Baseball Australia.

Manager of International Baseball Operations Gio Hernandez, Lismore City Council's general manager Gary Murphy, director of International Baseball Operations Chris Haydock, Lismore MP Thomas George, and chief operating officer of Baseball Australia Justin Drew. Picture: Cathy Adams

UPDATE, 10.15am: MAJOR League Baseball officials have been inspecting facilities at Albert Park, Lismore, with an eye to establishing training camps for international development programs.

Lismore City Council's tourism and events manager, Mitch Lowe, said it was exciting news, with a $4.47 million upgrade currently being considered by the State Government.

Baseball Australia would commit to hosting key national events, international training camps and national team activities in Lismore for at least five years if the upgrade is funded.

"A world-class facility in Lismore would see Albert Park become Baseball Australia's premier complex and place the city on the world stage as a baseball hub," Mr Lowe said.

An upgraded facility would inject more than $9 million into Lismore's economy every year.

Mr Lowe said it was not a "build it and they will come" exercise.

"Both Lismore City Council and Baseball Australia are committed to hosting and staging a large number of events and camps, which will benefit the city significantly," he said.

ORIGINAL STORY: LISMORE'S links to American Major League baseball could be about to get a lot stronger.

American Major League baseball officials will be inspecting Albert Park baseball facilities for training opportunities this morning.

The media have been alerted to the event, which is reported to see national and international baseball officials, Lismore MP Thomas George, and Lismore City Council in attendance.