New $3m basketball facility proposed for Hervey Bay

The number of basketball players on the Fraser Coast has doubled in the past year and the sport is rapidly outgrowing existing facilities. See the plans:

A new $3m indoor stadium could be the future home of basketball on the Fraser Coast if a push to escalate construction of the facility succeeds.

The Hervey Bay Basketball Association hopes the Fraser Coast Regional Council will vote at its September 28 meeting to fast track building a multi-purpose basketball facility at Nikenbah at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct.

The association has almost 600 members and is rapidly outgrowing its facilities at the PCYC at O’Rourke Street in Pialba.

HBBA president Matt Baker told The Chronicle player numbers had doubled over the past year.

“We just need the facilities, we really are at capacity for the amount of members...” Mr Baker said.

“Between the PCYC and using some school facilities, we really need more facilities for training and competitions.”

Mr Baker said $2.8million would be sought in funding for the project, and the association would contribute $500,000 from its own coffers.

He estimated the total cost of the facility would be just over $3million.

Concept designs of the proposed basketball facility at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct. Photo: Contributed.

The new stadium would include two indoor courts and an outdoor court.

The proposed “all abilities” facility had been in the pipeline for a number of years and consideration by council for funding would provide a significant boost for the sport in the region, Mr Baker said in a written statement.

He said a “dedicated facility” was needed more than ever with the number of locals playing basketball significantly increasing.

“We have outgrown our current premises at PCYC and now have enough demand for a dedicated venue to enable further expansion of the popular sport without turning away potential players,” he said.

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

Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott said basketball had experienced a “huge boom” on the Fraser Coast and approving the HBBA’s proposal would be the next step in growing the sport across the region.

If approved by council, Mr Truscott said the development would secure a home for basketball and give HBBA the tick of approval to build the indoor sports centre at the sports precinct.

Mr Truscott said sporting groups like the HBBA could apply for funding from state and federal governments.

Concept designs of the proposed basketball facility at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct. Photo: Contributed.

Mr Baker said the facility would align with the council’s Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct Masterplan to ensure local players had access to high quality facilities.

In February 2019, stage one of the masterplan opened with facilities for netball, soccer and Oztag at the precinct.

At present, more car parks are being built at the site.

Map of the Fraser Coast Sports & Recreation Precinct masterplan design. The masterplan is nearing completion and is expected to be presented to council in late 2022. Photo: Fraser Coast Regional Council.

According to a report before council, the HBBA was approved for a lease at the sports precinct at a council meeting in March 2021.

“The organisation has grown substantially in recent years despite having no dedicated home and is currently playing across multiple venues with teams practising on a range of public and school facilities right across Hervey Bay,” the report said.

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

Mr Baker said in a statement that basketball games would still be held at the PCYC for the foreseeable future.

“Having easily accessible sporting facilities supports a healthy and active community,” he said.

“Basketball is suitable for all ages, with players aged from under 8 to seniors, and is one of the most popular sports for men and women.

“A new facility would enable Maryborough and Hervey Bay to co-host professional tournaments, coaching clinics and training programs that will also add significant economic benefits to the region.”

Councillors will vote on September 28 whether to progress the project and consider an innovative funding model for the development to be constructed by HBBA.