Council, Netball Queensland and Rockhampton Netball Association band together for huge project

Council won’t be sitting on the sidelines when it comes to its plans for the popular sport of netball in Rockhampton as the state election inches closer this year.

Council won’t be sitting on the sidelines when it comes to its plans for the popular sport of netball in Rockhampton as the state election inches closer this year.

Rockhampton Regional Council, Netball Queensland and Rockhampton Netball Association have teamed up to go on the offensive and advocate with politicians and candidates for their project, a ‘New Home for Rockhampton Netball’.

On Thursday, July 11, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) calling for a commitment from all political parties and candidates to deliver new, fit for purpose facilities for Rockhampton Netball to allow it to expand and meet growing demand, if elected.

The project will include 16 outdoor hard-courts, a new modern clubhouse and change rooms, three court indoor facility and a community playspace.

They hope to attract larger regional and state netball competitions which are currently bypassing Rockhampton and deliver establishment works for the broader precinct including roads, connections and utility infrastructure.

Faces of the Rockhampton Netball Association's annual Sullivan's Carnival at Jardine Park on May 26, 2024.

Rockhampton Netball Association President, Simone Hitchcock said this year the limitations of the current site had caused them to turn teams away from their annual Sullivans Carnival because they simply didn’t have the space to run more games.

“Further to this, we have had to consider court space when grading teams, representative training, and game time scheduling,” she said.

Netball Queensland Chief Executive Officer Kate Davies said Rockhampton Netball Association had seen 35 per cent growth over the last three years and she expects to see it continue.

Parks, Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said that the new MoU and joint commitment from council, Netball Queensland and Rockhampton Netball Association was a big step forward and put the project front and centre at the state election.

“We know that for far too long netball has been struggling to juggle growing numbers with limited court space,” Cr Rutherford said.

“We also know that the current site at Jardine Park has its limitations for further development and expansion.

“Instead, a new home for Rockhampton Netball will mean more space, better connection into other sports and our growth areas; and a real opportunity to solve a generational challenge in our region.

Laura Geitz talking with a group of young Rockhampton netball players during a coaching clinic at Jardine Park.

“The message today from all three organisations is clear – we want to see this project front and centre at the election and see our political parties and local candidates commit to funding.”

Ms Hitchcock said they had been working on this initiative for years and they finally have a chance to see the investment in Rockhampton Netball that they need.

“A new facility would mean we can cater not only for our current needs but provide the best practice for our current members, grow representative development opportunities, and attract bigger regional and state carnivals to the region,” she said.

The Queensland Government has previously committed $5 million to assist with detailed designs, costings and gaining relevant approvals.

Originally published as Council, Netball Queensland and Rockhampton Netball Association band together for huge project