A recent strategy released by Netball Victoria underscores the urgent need for additional netball facilities in Melbourne, particularly in the rapidly growing suburb of Melton. The Statewide Facilities Strategy (2026–2028) aims to enhance access to high-quality venues for netball participants across Victoria, reflecting a significant increase in participation levels.
As of now, netball participation in Victoria has reached an impressive high, with more than 120,000 registered members. The first phase of the strategy prioritizes the development of competition-standard courts and venues affiliated with Netball Victoria, along with competitions and pathway programs to support the sport’s growth. A second phase, scheduled for release in early 2026, will focus on expanding training courts, school-based facilities, and initiatives such as Woolworths NetSetGo and walking netball.
The report highlights that Melton is expected to witness the highest growth in female population within the metropolitan area, with an anticipated increase of 48.4 percent. This demographic shift is projected to drive substantial demand for netball participation, necessitating a proactive approach to facility provision.
“Strategic forward planning should therefore prioritize the future provision of dedicated and accessible netball facilities, ensuring supply keeps pace with population growth, participation trends, and the long-term sustainability of netball in the region,” the report states. Currently, Melton hosts 25 competition-level netball courts, but their availability is limited due to shared use with other sports and activities in multi-purpose facilities.
Future Developments in Wyndham
The report also identifies Wyndham as a region where future netball facilities will be crucial. The local council has initiated steps to secure future-proofing for netball infrastructure, with ongoing projects at the Jamieson Way Community Centre and the Tarneit Indoor Sports Facility. Collaboration with the Victorian government on a school-community use pilot is also in the works, aimed at enabling shared use of facilities outside school hours.
Continuous monitoring will be essential to ensure that netball facilities and programs evolve in accordance with population growth and rising participation needs. “This strategy is our commitment to building those spaces, and working in genuine partnership with councils and communities to get it done,” said Andrea Pearman, Chief Executive of Netball Victoria. She emphasized the goal of providing safe, welcoming, and inspiring spaces for everyone who loves netball, from grassroots participants to elite athletes.
As the sport gains momentum, the strategic framework laid out by Netball Victoria is a proactive step towards accommodating the increasing demand and ensuring the long-term viability of netball across the state.
