Located on the south coast of New South Wales, Shoalhaven City Council has installed new flooring at a basketball court in one of its major suburbs, Milton. Council provided more than $74,000 to replace the original tallowwood stadium floor, which had been in place for more than 40 years.
The stadium is now fitted out with a select grade southern bluegum timber floor, specifically chosen to cater for the needs of the stadium and the environmental factors of the area, such as ideal moisture levels.
Previously, the stadium only catered for basketball players, but since the new installation, the floor has been line marked for basketball and volleyball, with sockets and plates also provided for indoor soccer nets.
Shoalhaven City Mayor, Councillor Greg Watson, said this is a great opportunity for the Milton community.
“The new floor is an avenue for more teams and talented individuals to compete on an improved surface in our region,” he said. “Hopefully we will see future athletes representing the City after playing on a better surface, such as the new Milton court.”
After six weeks work and several months of planning, the Milton court now caters for a wide variety of users. Schools and community groups from the area will benefit, as they are able to participate in a greater range of activities and competitions.
Council originally allocated $120,000 for the project in its 2007–08 budget, yet came under budget in the installation. As such, the remaining funds will go towards other sporting facility projects in the area.
“Sporting facilities are of great importance in this day and age,” Councillor Watson said. “Council is committed to increasing sporting and athletic opportunities for the youth of the Shoalhaven to see an increase in activity and a decrease in obesity levels.
“Encouraging youth to participate in team sports promotes healthy lifestyles and social skills early in life.”
