Kingston High Performance Centre for JackJumpers under scrutiny by Parliamentary Committee

Tasmania JackJumpers’ High Performance Centre faces crucial test in Parliamentary Inquiry. Here’s what we know.

August 18, 2024 - Tasmania JackJumpers announce their High Performance Centre at Kingston Sports Complex. Chairman Steve Old, CEO Christine Finnegan, Head Coach Scott Roth, Sports Minister Nic Street, Mayor of Kingborough Paula Wriedt and JackJumpers player Fabijan Krslovic. Picture: Linda Higginson

The future of the Tasmania JackJumpers’ High Performance Centre at Kingston will go on the line on Thursday when the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works hears why the project must go ahead.

The public works inquiry is to “seek the approval of the Committee to build a new high performance training facility for the Tasmania JackJumpers located in the Kingston sporting precinct”.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 20: Clint Steindl of the Jackjumpers competes with Dejan Vasiljevic of the 36ers during the round five NBL match between Adelaide 36ers and Tasmania Jackjumpers at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, on October 20, 2024, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

When the JackJumpers announced they had selected Kingston over Wilkinsons Point as the site for their state-of-the-art facility, CEO Christine Finnegan said it would help the NBL’s reigning champion consolidate itself as a “destination club”.

“This site will not only be the home of the entire club and the 2023-24 NBL Trophy but it will provide a training facility that will match others in the competition and contribute greatly to our desire to be a destination club where we will give our all to continue to defend the island,” she said.

Public Works Committee, chaired by MLC Tania Rattray, must now agree with their choice.

“The Public Works Committee process places Members of Parliament in direct contact with the public and enables them to canvas a wide range of views through public inquiry,” she said.

“The Committee then evaluates the evidence presented to it and makes a decision as to whether or not the works should proceed.

“The Committee welcomes public input on this project and invites interested individuals or organisations to attend the public hearing.”

The hearing starts at 2pm on Thursday.