Clarence City Council is calling on the Federal Government to commit funding for a $60-million regional sports and education hub to deliver significant social, economic and health benefits for the growing community.
The proposed Bayview Secondary College Sports Precinct, to be developed in partnership with the Tasmanian and Australian Governments, will provide much-needed facilities to address the current shortage of community multi-sport facilities.
Clarence City Council Mayor Brendan Blomeley said the project was shovel-ready and had strong community and government support, with $8 million already committed by the State Government.
“With Clarence experiencing rapid population growth, the investment will ensure the region has the infrastructure to support active lifestyles for the next 20 years and beyond,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“The sporting precinct is not just a sporting facility—it’s a transformational project that will provide pathways for young athletes, improve health and wellbeing and foster economic growth.
“The demand for sporting facilities is at an all-time high, as highlighted by Basketball Tasmania in their calls earlier this month for an infrastructure overhaul to address the severe shortage in adequate facilities,” he said.
Detailed demand modelling has identified that Greater Hobart faces significant infrastructure shortages and needs seven indoor basketball courts, six netball courts, three Australian Rules football ovals and two cricket ovals.
Basketball Tasmania CEO, Ben Smith said with only 13 courts in the pipeline [Elphin, Claremont, Devonport and Rugby Park with Federal support] progress wasn’t keeping up with demand.
“Right now, we lack enough dedicated venues where the basketball community can train, play and connect. Bayview Secondary College Sport Precinct has the potential to decrease that gap and deliver lasting benefits to the wider Clarence municipality,” Mr Smith said.
“(It) could play a critical role in addressing the shortfall of facilities, providing an additional three or four courts would support growing demand in the region.”
Netball Tasmania CEO Mitch Coulson echoed these concerns, saying additional netball facilities in any capacity were essential to be able to continue to service their 10,000 participants throughout the state.
“As the number one team sport played by females and girls in Tasmania, Netball Tasmania look forward to the prospect of having additional indoor courts on the eastern shore of Hobart,” Mr Coulson said.
Mayor Blomeley said the hub would address these gaps and ensure facilities met modern standards for accessibility and female participation.
“The project aligns with multiple government strategies, including the National Sport Plan – Sport 2030, the Federal Government’s Closing the Gap reforms and the National Gender Equality Strategy,” he said.
“This precinct is a crucial part of Council’s vision for a healthy, active city – we have done the groundwork, completed a detailed feasibility study and we have concept designs ready.
“The project is expected to create 350 full-time equivalent jobs during construction, boost local business activity and attract further investment in housing and infrastructure development in Clarence.
“We’re calling on all levels of government to partner with us to deliver this vital project for the people of Clarence and Greater Hobart.
“The benefits extend far beyond sport—this is an investment in community wellbeing, economic development and the future of southern Tasmania.”
Read the City of Clarence 2025 Prospectus and more information about the Bayview Secondary College Sports Precinct.
Concept designs pictured below
