Public consultation is underway for a basketball stadium expansion that proponents say would address a “critical and growing demand” for indoor courts.
The Maroochydore Eagles Basketball Association has submitted a development application to expand its venue at 410 Mooloolaba Road, which is within the Elizabeth Daniels Park sports and recreation precinct at Buderim.
The site currently features a three-court stadium and some amenities, and the club wants to add three more courts and further services.
A town planning report compiled by Adams and Sparkes, detailed why the expansion was needed.
“A key consideration is the critical and growing demand for indoor court infrastructure across the Sunshine Coast,” it stated.
“Since 2019, basketball participation has surged … with the number of players on the Sunshine Coast increasing from approximately 29,000 to 74,000.
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“This growth has significantly outpaced facility provision, resulting in a documented shortfall of at least 17 full-sized indoor courts within the region.
“Over 200 players on the Sunshine Coast remain on waitlists due to lack of court availability.
“The proposed addition of three indoor courts is critical to alleviating capacity pressures, reducing waitlists and enabling equitable access to sport and recreation opportunities.
“The expanded facility will support not only increased participation in junior and senior competitions but also enhance the region’s capacity to host large-scale events, state championships, inclusive formats such as wheelchair basketball and high-performance training aligned with the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.”
The current facility, which is used daily, is the home of the Suncoast Clippers (the trading name of the Eagles) and the Sunshine Coast Phoenix, which competes in the main Queensland competition.
A public notification phase is underway until October 7 for the expansion, which would essentially include a new building connected to the current building, increasing the floor area from 2482sqm to 5637sqm.
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The new section would include three courts, change rooms, referee facilities, storage, gym, clubroom, canteen, reception area and office space.
The planned building would be 10.629m high, which would exceed the height limit of 8.5m for the area but would be consistent with the height of the existing building, which was constructed prior to the adaptation of the current planning scheme and is a height that is deemed necessary to accommodate basketball courts.
“By matching the height, scale and form of the existing stadium, the proposed extension respects the visual character and amenity of the site and its surrounding context,” the planning report stated.
“The site is well separated from nearby residential areas, and the additional height does not result in unacceptable overshadowing, privacy impacts or loss of views. The architectural design is consistent with the existing facility, ensuring visual integration and a measured building presence appropriate to the surrounding open space.
“The development aligns with the strategic intent of the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014, which encourages investment in resilient, adaptable and community-focused infrastructure that supports active, healthy lifestyles. The expansion facilitates broader community benefit while respecting the subtropical character and scale of the local area, thereby offering a balanced and contextually appropriate planning outcome.”
The local association moved into the Maroochydore Basketball Stadium when it was built on crown land at Elizabeth Daniels Park in 1984.
The stadium went from one court to three courts in 2017 and player numbers have since soared.
Read more about the region’s basketball history and stadium here.
