New data released by Basketball Victoria estimates that over 960,000 players participate in the sport every year across the state - highest-participation community sport.
As a result of its exponential growth across metropolitan and regional Victoria, this means that 22 additional basketball courts would be required until at least 2030, on top of an existing shortfall of about 220 courts, needed to meet current community demand.
To help communities take the next step towards delivering the facilities they need, applications are now open for Basketball Victoria’s new$250,000 Facility Planning Grant Program.
Believed to be the first program of its kind delivered by a State Sporting Organisation in Australia, the initiative will provide up to five grants of $50,000 to support the planning and development of future basketball infrastructure across Victoria.
Basketball Victoria Chief Executive Officer Nick Honey said the program was a practical investment in the future of the game and the communities supporting its continued growth.
“Basketball is thriving across Victoria, with hundreds of thousands of people participating in our game every year,” Mr Honey said.
“That growth is something to celebrate, but it also means we need to continue planning for the facilities our communities will need in the years ahead.
“We know there are associations, councils and education providers with strong ideas for new or expanded basketball facilities. The challenge is often finding the resources to undertake the early planning work needed to move those ideas forward.
“These grants will help communities build the evidence, partnerships and detailed plans required to attract future investment and give their projects the best possible chance of becoming a reality.”
The pressure on existing facilities is already being felt across the state, with limited court availability resulting in approximately 25 per cent of scheduled basketball games being converted into manufactured byes
Mr Honey said the figure demonstrated the importance of developing a strong and coordinated pipeline of future facility projects.
“When court availability limits how often people can play, it shows why long-term planning is so important,” he said.
“This program alone will not deliver every court Victoria needs, but it can help more communities take that vital first step and put forward stronger projects when future funding opportunities become available.”
Eligible applicants include Basketball Victoria affiliated associations, Victorian local government bodies, and Victorian schools, TAFEs and universities with a demonstrated commitment to basketball participation and community access.
Applications for the Basketball Victoria Facility Planning Grant Program opened on Monday, August 3, and will close on Wednesday, September 23.
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