Opposition commits $3m towards Sandringham indoor netball stadium

The Sandringham & District Netball Association has welcomed the cash pledge to build much needed indoor netball facilities as a “good start”.

BAYSIDE’S long suffering netballers are a step closer to competing “rain, hail or shine” with the state opposition pledging $3 million to build a new indoor netball stadium at Sandringham.

If built, the indoor courts will go next to Bayside Council’s planned $11.3 million outdoor netball precinct at Wangara Rd.

The precinct will replace the ageing netball facilities at Thomas St, Hampton.

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Sandringham & District Netball Association spokeswoman Kris Pierce said the pledge was a “good start” but “there was more work to be done”.

“We’re grateful to the Liberals but we’re nowhere close to where we need to be so we will continue to lobby for the court to be built,” she said.

Sisters Bella and Alex Hodgson want the indoor courts built as soon as possible. PICTURE: Penny Stephens.

“We’d love to talk to Labor but they haven’t even got candidates here yet at least the liberals have promised something.”

According to Ms Pierce, the budget for the indoor netball stadium has been “loosely” costed at $9 million.

“Three million will get ground remediation work done but no courts,” she said.

Ms Pierce is hopeful the council will “come in on the back end” when state and federal funding has been secured.

Netballers gather at Hampton for the $3 million announcement.

“Netball, being a female sport, has to fight hard to justify indoor courts,” she said.

“Our girls need to be able to play rain, hail or shine so they have a fair chance of accessing path way programs.”

Sandringham Liberal candidate Brad Rowswell said the funding pledge is a step in the right direction.

Sandringham Liberal candidate Brad Rowswell (right) wants to see the indoor courts get done quickly.

“As a local who has grown up and spent my whole life in this area, I understand first-hand the importance of local sporting clubs and organisations and the need to invest in them,” he said.

“This $3 million investment will secure the future of netball in bayside for future generations.”

$50,000 of the funds pledged will be set aside for the council to investigate using the existing Thomas St netball site for ongoing sporting and recreation use.

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