The City of Hobart has welcomed a $12.5 million election commitment from the Tasmanian Liberal Party to assist with the construction of a new, purpose-built basketball facility at Self's Point in New Town.
The City has already nominated Council land at New Town Bay for the proposed facility, which will include four new courts, and committed to construction, car parking, and ongoing maintenance.
Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the announcement was a positive step toward addressing the significant shortage of basketball infrastructure in Greater Hobart.
The City of Hobart has been advocating for funding for this project over many years including through previous state and federal elections. We now call on the Tasmanian Labor party to match this funding commitment.
Hobart Phoenix Basketball Association alone fields more than 100 teams and 700 players each week but currently lacks a permanent home base and relies on school and privately operated courts outside the Hobart municipality.
The City will continue to work constructively with whichever party forms government after the election to ensure the much-needed community facility is fully realised and calls on the Federal Government to fund the shortfall.
Quotes to be attributed to Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds:
"After many years of lobbying, we're pleased to see this commitment from the Tasmanian Liberal Party, which recognises the urgent need for more basketball courts in our city.
"Basketball is booming in Tasmania, and the success of the JackJumpers has only accelerated that growth.
"The City has been working closely with Basketball Tasmania and local clubs like Hobart Phoenix to find long-term solutions to the court shortage across Greater Hobart.
"This funding contribution to a new facility at New Town Bay will be a welcome addition and a much-needed home for Hobart Phoenix.
"This contribution is a significant start towards making this facility a reality.
"The City will need to continue to advocate for federal funding to fully fund the facility which is estimated to cost $25 million.
"We'll keep working towards realising the vision for a dedicated basketball hub at New Town Bay, which would provide long-term sustainability for the sport."
Quotes to be attributed to Phoenix Basketball Association Board Director Matthew McIver:
"Hobart Phoenix Basketball is going through a period of unprecedent growth with records numbers of juniors playing our fantastic sport, for this growth to be sustained it is critical that investment be made in community indoor court sporting infrastructure.
"Infrastructure that includes the provision of a club rooms to enable the full social, health and wellness benefits of participating in community sport to be realised.
"We welcome today's $12.5 million funding commitment from the Liberal Party and we look forward to working with stakeholders to continue to close the gap and deliver purpose-built basketball facilities for the community of Greater Hobart."
