$3m basketball facility to be built at the Fraser Coast sport precinct

Council has given the Hervey Bay Basketball Association the green light to build an impressive multimillion-dollar stadium which could be the future home for the sport in the region.

Basketball on the Fraser Coast is one step closer to having a new home, now that council has approved the funding agreement for the first stage of a multimillion-dollar facility.

The $3m basketball stadium, which will be built at the Fraser Coast Sport and Recreation Precinct at Nikenbah, will include two indoor courts and an outdoor court.

Mayor George Seymour, who chaired the council meeting on Wednesday at the River Heads Community Hall, spoke in support of the Hervey Bay Basketball Association’s proposed facility.

“This type of infrastructure is so very important for our community,” Mr Seymour said.

He commended the basketball association for continuing to serve the community in “difficult circumstances without a real home”.

“We have seen a lot of growth in Hervey Bay over many, many years, with little expansion for indoor sports,” he said.

A shaded option for the proposed basketball courts at the Fraser Coast Sports & Recreation Precinct. Photo: Fraser Coast Regional Council.

Councillor Denis Chapman said it was great that basketball could now be at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct.

“We might even be a bit of a hub for basketball here,” Mr Chapman said.

Councillor David Lee added the HBBA was one of the fastest growing sporting associations on the Fraser Coast.

In a statement, HBBA welcomed the decision by council to approve funding for the first stage of the facility.

Hervey Bay Basketball Association President Matt Baker. Photo: Contributed.

HBBA President Matt Baker said the decision was a “boost for the local community”.

“We congratulate FCRC on identifying methods to support the ongoing development of health and wellbeing in our community,” he said

“This facility will provide both economic and social benefits for the region as it will enable an increase in membership, and the ability to attract coaching clinics and major tournaments.”

Mr Baker said in the same statement that planning could start immediately.

The council meeting on Wednesday, September 28, was held at the River Heads Community Hall.

According to a council statement, the funding plan means local developers can choose to allocate their infrastructure charges to the development of community facilities at the precinct.

“The infrastructure charges from the equivalent of 100 new housing lots would generate $2.8 million,” Councillor Daniel Sanderson said

“Other projects would not be affected as funds collected from developers outside the precinct catchment area would still be available for other projects.

“The $2.8 million, coupled with $500,000 from the association would be enough for a facility with two indoor courts and one outdoor court.”

The vote to endorse the funding agreement was carried unanimously by councillors.

A minute’s silence was also held at the meeting to recognise the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.