23 July 2025
Kym West
Victoria - Basketball Victoria has welcomed today’s announcement by the Allan Labor Government to open up more school sports facilities for community use, with a new pilot program set to unlock valuable court space across Melbourne’s west and beyond.
Launched by Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll, the Community Facilities Usage Pilot Program will see 41 government schools, open their courts, ovals, and gyms for after-hours and weekend use by local community groups and sporting clubs.
Basketball Victoria has strongly advocated for this initiative over the past three years, as growing demand for court access has placed increasing pressure on associations and clubs to find places for teams to train and compete.
“This pilot is a game-changer for our sport,” said Jake Keogh, Basketball Victoria General Manager of Government, Strategy and Innovation. “Basketball in Victoria is growing at an incredible rate, with more than 220 new courts needed across the state to meet current demand. Improving access to existing school courts gives young Victorians the chance to play and helps clubs keep up with participation growth.”
The $1.4 million investment from the Victorian Government will support schools with a dedicated team to coordinate bookings, manage community outreach, and provide additional cleaning and administration support, which will make it easier for schools and sporting organisations to work together.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll said the program is about maximising the value of public infrastructure for the benefit of the entire community.
“Our kids deserve excellent gyms, ovals, playgrounds and open spaces – now, more Victorians will be able to enjoy them too.”
“This move will mean everyone can enjoy our record investment in schools – turning them into thriving local hubs that encourage people to get active and learn new skills.” said Minister Carroll.
Most of the selected schools have been opened since 2017 and are located in key growth corridors including Wyndham, Melton, Docklands, North Melbourne, Armstrong Creek (Geelong), Lucas (Ballarat), and Torquay (Surf Coast).
“With so many of our clubs struggling to access facilities, this is a great step forward,” Keogh said. “It’s about using the infrastructure we already have in smarter, more community-focused ways.”
The pilot will run throughout the 2025 - 26 financial year and is expected to be expanded in future budgets to support more schools and sporting codes.
Basketball Victoria will continue to work closely with government and local councils to ensure our clubs and associations can make the most of this opportunity, and to advocate for ongoing investment in shared-use facilities that keep Victorians active and connected.
For more information about our infrastructure and facility advocacy click below:
