New Hervey Bay basketball facility progresses

The new basketball centre is taking shape with several milestone announcements being made today.

Fraser Coast Regional Council Director of Strategy, Community and Development Gerard Carlyon announced today the formal approval and signing of a $2.8 million grant for the construction of a new multipurpose basketball facility at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct.

“Hervey Bay Basketball is one of the fastest-growing sporting associations on the Fraser Coast with close to 600 players being registered last season,” he said.

“This facility will address the current and future growth requirements of basketball in the region.

“It’s a much-needed investment for now and it’s an investment for the future of Fraser Coast sport, leisure and entertainment.

Mr Carlyon said Council was also pleased to announce the formalisation of a 20-year lease agreement for the facility, ensuring the Basketball Association had a dedicated home for the next two decades.

“The project involves relocating the Hervey Bay Basketball Association to a specifically designed stadium within the Fraser Coast Sports & Recreation Precinct, representing a significant and transformative regional investment in sports and recreation facilities,” he said.

“With training programmes increasing in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics, this facility will provide a much-needed boost to regional facilities and provide current standard training facilities for aspiring basketball players.”

The new precinct will include two indoor courts, all-ability change facilities, umpire services, club meeting rooms and health and fitness spaces.

President of Hervey Bay Basketball Association Matthew Baker said the association was very excited about the opportunities a new precinct will bring to the club and the region.

“We can also confirm that Bendigo Bank has acquired the naming rights to the stadium by contributing $50,000 to the project.”

The newly named Bendigo Bank Stadium will be a great facility for us to create new basketball programmes and clinics, continue to grow our competitions, attract regional level basketball events, and host first class tournaments,” he said.

The community will also be able to hire the basketball facility when the basketball association is not using it for practice and games.

The new multipurpose facility was a key element in the Fraser Coast Sport and Recreation Precinct Master Plan.

Construction of the new facility is expected to start within months with completion of the new basketball facility expected in late 2025.