Request for $200K from Merri-bek Council for planning for a new purpose-built stadium

The issue

We, the undersigned members and supporters of the Coburg Basketball Association and the wider basketball community across Merri-bek, respectfully submit this petition to urge Merri-bek Council to prioritise and fund the planning of a new, purpose-built basketball facility, as identified in the Draft Coburg North Sports Hub Master Plan.

The Coburg Basketball Stadium, built over 30 years ago, no longer meets the growing needs of our sport or community. While we welcome and thank Council and the Federal Government for funding the short-term improvements to the stadium entry, we stress that long-term action is urgently required.

The Draft Master Plan rightly recognises that the current site cannot accommodate the expansion needed. It outlines a vision to relocate basketball operations to a new, multi-court facility.

We support this direction and strongly request that Council:

1. Brings forward the feasibility study and concept planning for the new facility, currently proposed within a 10-year timeframe, to commence immediately.

2. Amends the 2025 Council Budget to allocate funding for this critical planning and design work.

3. Commits to working in partnership with the Coburg Basketball Association and its members to plan, advocate, and seek external funding for this vital infrastructure.

4. Recognises basketball as the number one growth sport in Merri-bek, with over 1 million visits to the stadium each year and 5,000 weekly participants across all ages, genders, and abilities.

5. Acts on the findings of the 2019 Indoor Sports Facility Needs Analysis, and the Coburg North Sports Hub Masterplan which highlights the urgent need for more courts.

We have been advocating for over eight years for additional courts.

With over 370 domestic teams, 36 representative teams, four BIG V teams, and inclusive programs like Walking Basketball and school partnerships, our association is a cornerstone of community connection, youth engagement, and local employment—with 350 registered coaches and over 130 technical officials contributing to the local economy.

Without immediate planning for the new facility, we risk losing future funding opportunities and the ability to meet growing demand. 

We are 18 months out from a State Election—the time to act is now.  We are aiming for 5,000 plus signatures to be heard.

We respectfully call on Merri-bek Council to listen to the needs of its largest sporting community and take decisive steps to invest in a future that ensures basketball continues to thrive in our city.