- Basketball gets new bounce with revamped Goldfields Basketball Stadium
- $6.8 million Cook Labor Government commitment for the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community
- Project underlines the importance of sport in regional Western Australia
The revamped Goldfields Basketball Stadium, a critical piece of regional sporting infrastructure, has been officially opened by Premier Roger Cook following a $14.8 million transformation.
The project was anchored by a $6.8 million funding commitment from the WA Labor Government - a 2021 election commitment - which has revitalised the facility to better meet the needs of spectators and players of all ages.
Additional funding of almost $4.5 million was provided by the Australian Government as part of the Building Better Regions Fund, $3 million by the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and $500,000 by the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Basketball Association.
The redevelopment of the Goldfields Basketball Stadium included:
- structural repair and refurbishment of the existing three court stadium;
- two additional indoor courts to accommodate basketball, volleyball, and netball - one as a show court with tiered spectator seating;
- four new player changerooms, with access to toilets and showers;
- public toilets, including universal access toilets;
- referee room with toilet and shower facilities;
- dedicated first aid room;
- canteen with servery and large function space;
- administration office and multiple meeting rooms;
- clubroom and corporate seating space; and
- increased storage space.
The result is a greatly enhanced playing and spectating experience at a community facility that is the home court for the Goldfields Giants in WA's top tier NBL1 competition, as well as local senior and junior leagues.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"My WA Labor Government is delivering for regional communities across WA.
"Basketball's popularity is exploding in our State, and we're delivering major investments so West Aussies can get out on the court and reach their full potential.
"This is yet another key election commitment for the Goldfields delivered by Ali Kent and my WA Labor Government."
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
"It has been wonderful to see the transformation of the stadium. Sport is integral to life in Western Australia, it connects people and communities.
"Kalgoorlie-Boulder has a proud sporting tradition, and I look forward to the day when we see a player for the Boomers, Opals, Wildcats or Lynx who started out shooting hoops at this amazing, revamped facility."
As stated by Federal Senator Varun Ghosh:
"Sport is a way of life in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the redevelopment of the Goldfields Basketball Stadium will be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels.
"Two new state-of-the-art indoor courts will open more sporting pathways for local athletes, while new changerooms, spectator seating and a function space will bring more top-tier competitions to the Goldfields region.
"Working with State and local government to deliver for communities while supporting local jobs is what the Building Better Regions Fund is all about."
As stated by Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:
"We have such a strong sporting community in Kalgoorlie, and this project means we can meet the demand for more courts and better facilities for local families.
"I'm proud to deliver this election commitment, and can't wait to see local Kalgoorlie players hit the courts at our stunning new stadium."
As stated by City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Mayor Glenn Wilson:
"The redevelopment of the Goldfields Basketball Stadium is a leap forward for Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Sport is such an important part of life here, and having a facility like this shows just how much we value our local teams and the role they play in our community.
"The Goldfields Giants now have a home court that matches their passion and talent, and it's a place where players of all ages can come together to develop their skills and love for the game. For our juniors especially, this is where dreams start.
"The City is proud to have contributed $3 million to making this project happen because we know how much this state-of-the-art facility means to our community. I know visiting teams from Perth and beyond will enjoy playing here just as much as our locals do. This stadium is a win for everyone in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
"It's great to see all levels of Government come together to assist with funding this project and hats off to the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Basketball Association for their dedication to making it a reality. I know they'll continue to make this stadium a hub for regional sports excellence, filled with community spirit for many years to come."
