Plan for new Hervey Bay basketball centre taking shape

Hundreds of players are keenly waiting as designs for the $2.8m Hervey Bay basketball centre are being finalised, with the facility touted to attract new clinics and tournaments.

The Hervey Bay Basketball Association is working on an almost $3m indoor facility to be built at the Fraser Coast Sports & Recreation Precinct.

The designs for a $2.8m multipurpose sports centre, which will provide a new home for basketball in Hervey Bay, are being finalised.

The centre, to be located at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct, will provide new indoor and outdoor courts for the sport’s 600 local players.

Work is expected to begin on the first stage of the centre by mid 2023 with completion by late 2024.

Hervey Bay Basketball Association president Matt Baker said the committee was working closely with Fraser Coast Regional Council to complete the funding agreement as well as the final design and timeline.

“The next stage of planning includes working on the final design of the new facility to ensure it meets the required standards including a nationally accredited wooden basketball flooring,” he said.

Mr Baker said the basketball community was excited about the project and he was already seeing an increased interest in the sport and offers to bring coaching clinics and tournaments to the region.

“Brisbane Bullets have just completed their first ever basketball camp in our region and we are hoping to engage with them and other organisations to run similar camps into the future,” he said.

Hervey Bay Basketball Association President Matt Baker expects the new basketball hub will attract more clinics and tournaments. Photo: Contributed.

“A facility of this kind will enable our region to compete for competitions and training camps, which in turn brings additional economic activity.

“We expect a further influx of players and teams join the local league once the new facility is operational.

“The new facility will allow us to support local players, coaches and referees to take part in more professional development clinics while we are also in discussion with some other sports who may wish to use the facilities.

“We see this space as a community facility and welcome partnerships with other local clubs.”

Mr Baker said the association was also planning for future stages of the facility which would include a mezzanine level for spectators, stadium seating, catering facilities and additional amenities.

He said the committee would be working to seek sponsorship and additional funding in the coming 12 months to help fund additions to the new facility.

“We would love to hear from any local businesses or individuals interested in supporting this popular sport and providing our local players with a quality sporting facility into the future,” he said.