NEW TERRITORY NETBALL STADIUM A SCORE FOR TERRITORIANS
Thousands of Darwin netball players have a new home and more major sporting events are on the cards thanks to the official opening today of a new indoor netball stadium in the northern capital.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the new facility is a big win for the 4,000 registered netball players in Darwin.
“The Liberal and Nationals Government’s $8 million investment has not only provided Territorians with a quality facility but also helped to create 110 jobs during construction and will continue to support 10 ongoing jobs in the stadium,” Mr McCormack said.
Northern Territory Minister for Tourism and Culture Lauren Moss said, “Netball is one of our most popular sports with over 4000 registered local members. The Territory Labor Government has invested $11.8 million into the new facility which will create better opportunities for local players, will allow Territorians to enjoy the sport in air-conditioned comfort all year round, and can host national and international games.”
“This sport has a high participation of women and girls and the inclusion of childcare facilities is a great asset for supporting families to participate in the sport they love.”
“The Territory Labor Government’s top priority is jobs and the Territory Netball Stadium has supported 110 jobs for Territorians,” Ms Moss said.
Senator for Northern Territory Nigel Scullion said the new facility provides four new courts – one feature show court with seating for 2,000 spectators, along with three additional competitive-standard courts.
“In order to promote the growth of competitive netball in the Territory, we have also made sure the new facility comes fully equipped with everything players need, including change rooms, an umpires room, meeting rooms and even a café,” Senator Scullion said.
Executive Officer of Netball NT, Ian Harkness said, “This first class facility will allow us to cater for major netball events and hopefully national and international activity in the not too distant future.”
“Being able to play on a sprung wood floor will allow their skills to be further developed and assist them on the athlete pathway to higher honours.”
“Whilst the facility is aimed at netball and its members, the opportunity for other sports and community groups to utilise the facility, especially with the main show court area and its spectator capacity is a benefit to the Territory as a whole,” Mr Harkness said.
The Darwin Indoor Netball Stadium was jointly funded with the Liberal and Nationals Government investing $8 million and the Northern Territory Labor Government $11.8 million.