MLC Bec Thomas wants federal parties to support Hobart basketball development at New Town Bay
An essential piece of infrastructure to support surging basketball participation is one step closer. But it still hinges on a key backer.
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A new $25m home for basketball in Hobart is a step closer with the state government backing the project if it can also get federal funding.
Independent Elwick MLC Bec Thomas is urging the two major parties to commit to funding 80 per cent of the development planned for New Town Bay.
After her motion was passed in the Legislative Council calling on the state and federal governments to fund the four-court facility, she said Sport Minister Nick Duigan had written to the federal minister and opposition committing to pay 20 per cent of the cost, contingent on the Commonwealth funding the rest.
“The groundwork is done,” Ms Thomas said.
“There is a shovel-ready project, financial input from state and local government, strong community backing, and a clear evidence-based need.
“What is missing is the major parties’ commitment to a share of federal funding.”
Ms Thomas said an 80 per cent share of the $25m cost was “modest” compared with federal contributions in other regions and “would unlock significant economic, social, and health benefits for Hobart and surrounding suburbs”.
“This is not a ‘nice-to-have’. It’s a must-have,” she said.
“Our young sports people deserve better. Our community clubs deserve certainty. And our growing population deserves access to the same sporting infrastructure being delivered elsewhere in the state.”
Hobart Phoenix Basketball Association Board member, Stewart Williamson, praised Ms Thomas for her efforts and was “thrilled” at the state government’s funding commitment.
“We are grateful for the state government’s commitment to a contribution off the back of Bec’s motion and now we have everything crossed for a commitment from the major parties at a federal level,” he said.
“Comparable facilities in other regions have received state funding of tens of millions of dollars or more — so why not us?
“Our community is no less deserving.
“They simply can’t afford not to invest in the infrastructure Hobart desperately needs.
“A commitment to funding a share of this project will go a long way to ensuring no child misses out on the opportunity to play.”
Ms Thomas says the new headquarters would provide essential infrastructure for thousands of local players and families, and clubs who currently have no place to call home in Hobart and struggle to schedule games in overcrowded, outdated, and inaccessible third-party managed venues.
She said the demand for indoor courts far exceeded supply, with junior and senior competitions frequently facing scheduling clashes, limited training time, and extensive waitlists.
Originally published as MLC Bec Thomas wants federal parties to support Hobart basketball development at New Town Bay
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