W​​estgate Basketball needs your support for a new stadium in Yarraville!

In just over 10 years Westgate’s youth basketball competition has gone from a handful of teams playing on four courts for half a day at the Whitten Community Sport Stadium to now over 190 teams playing across 14 courts at three indoor stadiums in Maribyrnong. We’ve grown from a first season with about 200 members to now nearly 3,000 players, coaches, referees and volunteers.

While participation in the sport has grown exponentially, the number of accessible courts in Maribyrnong for competition has not grown. As a result, our competitions and programs are currently at capacity and our local clubs have lengthy waiting lists. Most at risk is provision for programs and competitions for younger participants as we’ve had to limit the number of introductory program and we are unable to introduce an Under 8 competition for our youngest players.

A recent study by Maribyrnong Council suggested that by 2036 between 4 and 12 indoor courts will be required to meet demand for indoor sports such as volleyball, netball, futsal, and basketball. Based on current trends and participation rates, we suggest the number of courts required will be at the higher end and would likely be 12.

To help meet this identified need, Maribyrnong Council has proposed to prepare a new masterplan for McIvor Reserve in Yarraville. This masterplan would include a new six-court indoor stadium at a yet unidentified location in the reserve. Current users are not expected to be detrimentally impacted by the plan and the new stadium would make McIvor Reserve one of the preeminent sporting precincts in all of Melbourne. If approved by Council, the new masterplan would be prepared with community and user group input before being finalised for consideration by Council.

To help make this plan a reality for future generations of players of all ages and a wide range of community groups, we are asking residents of the inner-west to support Maribyrnong Council’s preparation of the McIvor Reserve Masterplan including a six-court stadium and other community facilities through signing and sharing this petition. 

You can contact Council directly with your inputs on the proposal and also request to be put on Council’s contact list for updates on McIvor Reserve. Email council at RecAndOpenSpace@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Council also organised an on-line community forum Monday August 8th at 6pm so visit the page and register your interest to ensure the voices of your kids can be heard on this critical issue for basketball in the West.

Maribyrnong Council McIvor Reserve Masterplan Engagement On-Line Community Forum

If you have any questions or comments or would like to volunteer a few hours to help Westgate get this Council project approved please contact us at admin@westgatebasketball.com.au