Two sites have been identified for a proposed indoor sports centre that could address the Sunshine Coast’s ‘critical shortfall’ of courts and boost the region’s prospects of hosting Olympic basketball.
Sunshine Coast Council and local sports groups have launched a campaign, including a petition, appealing for state and federal funding for a new 12-court facility. It could include a show court with a capacity of 6000.
Two potential locations have been revealed, at Meridan Plains and Mudjimba.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli highlighted the need for such a venue.
“Our community deserves modern, accessible indoor courts that allow locals to play the sport they love,” she said via a media release.
“Participation is growing rapidly, driven by population growth, increased female involvement and the rise of sports like basketball, futsal and pickleball. Right now, our region simply doesn’t have the space to keep up.
“We desperately need courts that meet contemporary standards, including for para-sport participation.
“Council can’t deliver this alone. We need both state and federal governments to come on board.”
Locations have been identified, at the Honey Farm Road Sports Precinct, which is being built at Meridan Plains, and next to David Low Way, Mudjimba.
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Councillor Taylor Bunnag said the sites provided size, access and proximity.
“Our focus is on attracting a regional indoor 12-court facility and these two sites provide Council with the opportunity to advance discussions with other levels of government,” he said.
“(They) are logical options that have the capacity to service the needs of our region both now and into the future.”
The appeal for funding comes after a region-wide review of indoor sports facilities revealed “a critical shortfall of courts”.
The Sunshine Coast Indoor Network Plan revealed that “the existing indoor sport network is operating beyond full capacity”.
There are about 70 courts, but the review found that limited access and availability and competing uses mean these equate to far fewer functional full-court equivalent in practice, equating to 28 full-sized courts.
The plan also noted that many facilities were not of a desirable standard.
“Some teams across multiple sports face exclusion from national, state and regional competitions due to an inability to host home games or meet championship facility requirements.”
Sunshine Coast Basketball Association general manager Sean Page said the shortage of indoor courts was denying people a chance to play.
“Clubs are doing everything they can but there are simply not enough courts, and that means kids, adults, para‑athletes and new players are missing out.”
“A new facility would make an enormous difference. It would give everyone a fair shot at playing and make sure members of our community are not left on the bench.”
Forecast modelling shows the demand for indoor sport is expected to significantly rise during the next 20 years. Basketball participation alone is projected to more than double from 4500 to 11,000 participants.
The network plan stated that 15 more full-sized courts were required to meet demand by 2026, and 43 more would be needed by 2046.
Councillors voted unanimously to adopt the plan, backing recommendations to support the development or extension of facilities by 2031.
Priorities include the 12-court facility, a Sunshine Coast Gymnastics Academy renewal, a two or three-court extension at Maroochy Clippers Stadium, a two or three-court extension at the University of the Sunshine Coast, and a two-court equivalent racquet facility plus six squash courts, potentially with a commercial partner.
A new sports centre could also help boost the region’s prospects of hosting Olympic basketball games.
The Sunshine Coast was earmarked to host basketball fixtures at Brisbane 2032, after the Games were announced in 2021, but a proposed 11-court facility with a main court and capacity of 6000 at Kawana was scrapped by the state government in 2025.
Hopes were revived soon after, when the state government and developer Walker Corporation announced plans for an arena, with a capacity of more than 10,000, in the Maroochydore City Centre.
Council’s new indoor sports proposal provides another avenue.
A council spokesperson told Sunshine Coast News the venue could be utilised in 2032.
“While the primary use of this venue would be community sport, it could possibly be used as a competition venue for the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, as long as it’s ready in time.”
“Design and Games overlay requirements would need to be considered to accommodate identified sports, which are expected to be announced later this year.”
The network plan highlighted the need for a main court to host major events.
“Immediate prioritisation of a new major indoor sport centre, including a show court accommodating at least 6000 seating capacity, is required prior to 2031 to meet network demand and enable the region to host representative competitions and high-level events,” it stated.
A federal government spokesperson told SCN that council could find grant opportunities via its ConnectGrant website, and detailed existing commitments to the region, including “a joint funding commitment with the Queensland Government towards the Sunshine Coast Stadium and Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre”.
“The Australian Government is also investing more than $6.2 billion in transport projects on the Sunshine Coast, including $2.8 billion on Stage 1 of the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line, $2.8 billion on various Bruce Highway projects between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, and $616.7 million for the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade.
“The Australian Government will continue to work collaboratively with the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council to deliver these commitments. We encourage project proponents to check GrantConnect for Australian Government funding opportunities. Any applications are assessed through the respective program guidelines.”
Sunshine Coast News has reached out to the state government for comments.
See the petition for the 12-court facility here.
