Leisuretime Sports Precinct

City of Greater Geelong Director of Community Life Robyn Stevens:

1. Is the CoGG working with BPBA to establish a Northern Basketball league?

City staff have had regular discussions with the Bellarine Peninsula Basketball Association (BPBA) to find available and suitable court space for their programs.

We are also providing support and using our knowledge of the local area to help them implement their program and competitions.

We applaud the BPBA's initiative to grow the sport of basketball in the region and to provide greater access and opportunities for residents from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

2. What is CoGG's involvement in this program?

We are working closely with them to find available and suitable court space for their competitions and programs.

Staff from our Leisuretime Sports Precinct are also assisting with the promotion of the proposed Northern Basketball League.

3. Has the BPBA applies for CoGG grants for this program? If so what? Have they been successful in grant applications?

No, they have not applied for any grants.

4. The BPBA says it has identified a need for more sporting programs in the northern suburbs. Does the CofGG support this finding?

In late 2017, Basketball Geelong moved their regular competition nights away from Leisuretime, which meant people living in the immediate and surrounding areas were left with limited options for basketball competitions.

There are sporting opportunities available in the north. The City's Leisuretime Sports Precinct currently hosts soccer, futsal, netball, volleyball, squash, racquetball, badminton and netball competitions.

There are also a number of regular sports programs aimed at disadvantaged community members. These include the Rotary Futsal Program, all-abilities soccer, balloon football, Big Issue Street Soccer, and the Diversitat Futsal Academy Program.

Stead Park in Corio also provides sporting opportunities for softball, baseball, hockey, bowling and

darts competitions.

5. What is the importance of having accessible sporting programs in all sections of Geelong's

community?

The City is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of residents in Greater Geelong. Sport

and recreation plays an important role in achieving this aim.

It's critical that all areas of our community have access to programs and services that encourage

active lifestyles.

The Leisuretime Sports Precinct currently hosts many sports and we welcome any new programs or

initiatives aimed at increasing participation in sport or recreation activities.

The inclusion of basketball to this already diverse mix will only improve on the existing sport options

available in the north.

6. Why are there are lack of sporting programs in the Northern suburbs?

There is a diverse range of sporting programs and activities in the northern suburbs. The City is

committed to increasing active participation and physical activity in any form and we are pleased

provide ongoing support to clubs and community groups in the north and across Greater Geelong.