Jeremy Rockliff's minority Government is failing Tasmanians with its decision to focus on a billion dollar stadium in Hobart rather than prioritise grassroots clubs that provide a pathway towards professional codes for many children and teenagers.
Basketball has historically had strong participant growth but across the state many courts are not compliant with poor lighting, insufficient run-offs and substandard scoreboards and clocks.
Just last week, the Hobart Chargers coach shared that he fears for the future of basketball in the South because of problems with the flooring.
In the North, Launceston has potentially the worst player to court ratio in the state. The Northern Tasmanian Sports Facility Plan even details that "some competitions have fabricated byes because they are unable to run all teams due to lack of available court space".
While Labor understands works are underway for courts at Newnham and York Park, additional courts are needed now to meet current and growing demand.
Basketball is not the only code with these issues. The minority Liberal Government has known for years that many sporting organisations are playing on second-rate surfaces or do not have enough space for their numbers.
The Minority Liberal Government needs to invest significantly in increasing court capacity, including the long overdue and severely needed upgrades to existing infrastructure.
Janie Finlay MP
Member for Bass
