Basketball Queensland (BQ) has announced nine successful associations as part of the third installment of its Facility Project Accelerator Fund, continuing its commitment to supporting the development and expansion of basketball infrastructure across the state.

Since launching the initiative in 2024, BQ has now contributed $450,000 towards facility planning and development projects, helping associations take critical steps toward increasing court capacity and meeting the growing demand for basketball in Queensland.

The Project Accelerator Fund provides targeted support for feasibility studies, concept designs, business cases, and planning work, key components required to progress facility developments and secure future investment from government and stakeholders.

Basketball Queensland CEO, Joshua Pascoe, said the funding continues to play a critical role in supporting the growth of the game across the state. 

“Basketball continues to grow at an incredible rate across Queensland, and with that comes the need for more and better facilities,” said Joshua Pascoe. 

“This third round of funding ensures our associations are well positioned to plan for the future and deliver the infrastructure needed to support their communities.”

The nine successful Project Accelerator Fund recipients are:

• Red City Roar – Alexandra Hills State High School Facility Expansion project
• Townsville Basketball – Townsville Stadium Expansion
• Maryborough Basketball – Maryborough Stadium upgrades
• Northside Wizards – Expansion of Northside Indoor Sports Centre
• Cairns Basketball – Three-court expansion of Cairns Stadium
• Sunshine Coast – Expansion of Clippers Stadium
• Ipswich Basketball – Expansion of Ipswich Stadium, including current Federal election commitment of $7 million
• Rockhampton Basketball – Expansion of Rockhampton facility
• Bundaberg Basketball – Relocation and floorproofing of Bundaberg Stadium

Each of these projects reflects the increasing pressure on existing facilities, with many associations experiencing strong participation growth and limited court availability.

Basketball Queensland General Manager of Government Relations and Infrastructure, Hugh Raleigh, highlighted the importance of strengthening associations’ ability to advocate for future facility investment. 

“BQ is proud to support the nine associations with their aspirations to expand their facilities, I’d also like to congratulate them all on their vision to provide more opportunities for participants  in their communities across all indoor sports” said Hugh Raleigh. 

“By supporting planning and advocacy work, we’re helping associations engage with government and stakeholders to progress projects that will have long-term benefits for their communities.”

All successful funding recipients were formally recognised at the latest Parliamentary Friends of Basketball event, held on 22 April at Parliament House.

The event provided an opportunity to connect with Members of Parliament and reinforce the significant opportunity for investment in basketball facilities across Queensland. It also featured a special appearance from the Townsville Fire, who attended with the WNBL Championship trophy, alongside Finals MVP Courtney Woods and Head Coach Shannon Seebohm, following their recent title success.

The presence of the championship team highlighted the connection between strong community infrastructure and high-performance success, while providing a fitting backdrop to recognise the associations leading the way in facility planning and development.

Basketball Queensland will continue to work closely with its associations and stakeholders to address facility shortages and ensure that more Queenslanders have access to quality basketball infrastructure.