IPSWICH’S sporting community is set to benefit from major government investment, but some residents remain uncertain about whether the funding is money well spent.
Significant funding was announced on Sunday for both the Ipswich Basketball Stadium and the North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct, but questions linger over flood risks and long-term viability.
“It’s frustrating to see some sports get millions in funding while others struggle just to get basic facilities,” Redbank resident Mark Stevenson said.
“We have grassroots clubs that can’t afford proper equipment or maintain their fields, yet we’re seeing millions poured into a select few venues.
“There needs to be a more even distribution of support, especially for grassroots associations.”
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann confirmed that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government would provide $5 million to expand the Ipswich Basketball Stadium, helping to meet growing demand.
“The addition of another court will allow more young people and adults to train and play in Ipswich, as well as enable this vital sporting and community hub to host more events in the future,” Mr Neumann said.
The funding will support the completion of a one-court extension at JBS Arena in Booval, bringing the total number of courts from four to five.
However, concerns have been raised about the court’s susceptibility to flooding.
“This $5 million is for a raised court,” a basketball insider told Local Ipswich News.
“This will be greatly impacted by floods and weather events as it will be built at the back of the current JBS Arena.
“When this was being discussed at the last election, it was budgeted to cost $10 million, and then insurance must be considered – it would surely be an issue with previous flood damage to the facility.”
Mr Neumann also announced progress on the North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct upgrade, confirming that construction would begin following the completion of the first stage, which focused on design and planning activities.
Stage 2 will include a new two-storey western grandstand with modern player and spectator facilities, an upgrade to the existing Corporate Centre, and public plaza improvements at North Ipswich Reserve.
