Geraldton’s Activewest Stadium targeting end of November for upgrade works

Geraldton’s Activewest Stadium is getting closer to completion as a new roof goes on. GBSC project manager Jesse Moore said the project was estimated to be completed towards the end of November. “So far basketball stadium prewire, concrete slab, concrete dado walls and the structure steel installation has been completed, with installation of the roof and wall cladding ongoing,” he said. “Once the stadium cladding is completed internal prewire will commence, as will the construction of the new canteen and secret area.” The $4.5 million upgrade was part of a McGowan Government election commitment last year, with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries contributing $3.5 million. The Geraldton Amateur Basketball Association and City of Greater Geraldton pitched in $550,000 each. One person who is looking forward to the new upgrades is Geraldton Buccaneers coach Dayle Joseph. “As a local person who has been involved in basketball since I was five and seen it evolve over time, I think it will be a huge boon for basketball in the area,” he said. “I feel the last 30 years have been pretty stagnant in terms of infrastructure development; if you try to sign up your kids for local teams it can be pretty hard to get a spot. “Courts are occupied from early morning to well into the evening and it’s even worse during country week.” Joseph believes the new upgrades will be paying off in years to come. “To get four more courts is a huge plus and I think the change will be seen in the following few years after the upgrades are done,” he said. “I think it will help in player development, allowing skills to be developed faster. More players involved and more court time can only be a good thing.”