The upgrades will support a safer, more inclusive and higher-quality playing environment for athletes, volunteers, officials and families, while strengthening Bundaberg’s capacity to host training, competition and community events.
Court surface upgrades and new LED lighting are now complete, with construction of new accessible pathways set to begin in October.Bundaberg Netball Association (BNA) is one of several grassroots netball organisations to benefit from facility improvements being delivered through the Queensland Government’s Games On! Program, as part of its 2024 election commitments.
Games On! is ensuring Queensland benefits from the 2032 Games, with grassroots clubs across the state to receive upgrades. By upgrading facilities, the program will create better training environments for aspiring athletes and provide more opportunities for people of all ages to stay active and engaged in sport.
The project also aligns with Netball Queensland’s Infrastructure Strategy 2024–2034, with facilities progressively improved through strong planning and the support of government funding.
And the timing couldn’t be better for BNA as it continues to experience significant growth, with unique playing membership increasing from 867 participants in 2024 to 1093 in 2025 - highlighting the rising demand for modern, accessible and fit-for-purpose community sporting infrastructure.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said Games On! is delivering a legacy for the local netball community.
“This project will deliver a lasting legacy for Bundaberg’s netball community ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mr Bennett said.
“The Crisafulli Government is proud to support the Bundaberg Netball Association through the Games On! program, delivering upgrades that will benefit its more than 1,000 members and create capacity for even more games each week.”
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tim Mander said the project would provide more opportunities for people of all ages to stay active and engaged in sport.
“We’re backing Queensland clubs including the Bundaberg Netball Association through the Games On! Grassroots Infrastructure Program and ensuring more Queenslanders benefit from the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Minister Mander said.
“These improvements will strengthen local participation while positioning Bundaberg Netball to host larger events and support pathways for players and officials.”
Bundaberg Netball Association Matt Leighton said the funding ensured top class facilities for everyone involved in the sport in the region.
"The Games On! funding from the Queensland Government has enabled a significant upgrade in the quality of the facilities at Bundaberg Netball Association,” Mr Leighton said.
“This funding which allowed the lights to be upgraded from halogen to LED lights has enabled the players to train and play with better lighting under safer conditions. It has also enabled some significant savings in electricity which is being passed back onto members as savings in fees.
“The court surface upgrade has provided a safer court surface with easily identifiable areas for the players and umpires. With the upgrades completed all 12 front courts will be able to be used each and every week, enabling more games to be held each round. This enables additional growth in player, official and volunteer numbers at Bundaberg Netball.
“The better and safer facilities provide opportunities for BNA players and officials to upskill and prepare to play at higher levels with the target for the 2032 Olympics. They will also enable Bundaberg Netball Association to host state level netball events in the near future."
