Statewide Facilities Strategy

Netball Victoria has launched the 2026–2028 Statewide Facilities Strategy - a clear roadmap to ensure every Victorian has access to quality, inclusive, and sustainable netball spaces. 
 
With Victorian netball participation growing by 28% since 2022, the strategy responds to the increasing demand for competition and training venues across the state. Developed in collaboration with associations, leagues, clubs, and local governments, it identifies priorities for investment, upgrades, and planning support to help future-proof our sport. 
 
We’re deeply grateful for the engagement and insights from our netball community that helped shape this work. Together, we’re ensuring that netball continues to thrive, on every court, in every corner of Victoria.

Frequently asked questions  

The Statewide Facilities Strategy (2026–2028) is Netball Victoria’s roadmap to guide the future development, upgrade, and management of netball facilities across Victoria. It ensures the sport’s infrastructure keeps up with the pace of participation growth, and that every community has access to safe, inclusive, and sustainable venues to play, train, and compete. 

Netball participation has grown by 28% since 2022, with more than 234,000 Victorians now taking part in structured Netball Victoria competitions and programs. This rapid growth has created increased demand for quality courts and supporting amenities. 

The strategy provides an evidence-based plan to help associations, leagues, clubs, and councils meet that demand and future-proof our sport. 

The strategy was developed in collaboration with over 150 stakeholders, including netball associations, leagues, clubs, local governments, facility planners, and community partners. Their feedback and expertise shaped the priorities, targets, and actions within the plan. 

The strategy aims to: 

Ensure equitable access to quality netball facilities for women and girls, while supporting all genders and communities. 
Upgrade existing venues and plan new facilities in high-growth and underserviced areas. 
Embed sustainability, accessibility, and innovation into all facility planning. 
Strengthen collaboration between Netball Victoria, councils, and the netball community. 
Support the sport’s long-term growth, inclusion, and community impact. 

Local associations, leagues, and clubs will see tangible benefits, including: 

Better access to fit-for-purpose, safe, and welcoming facilities. 
Stronger evidence to support funding applications and advocacy. 
Clear direction for local planning and partnerships with councils. 
Support in addressing facility gaps and growth pressures in their regions. 
More consistent standards for courts, lighting, and amenities across the state. 

Netball Victoria conducted a comprehensive audit of more than 1,700 competition courts across Victoria, assessing their condition, capacity, and location. This data underpins the strategy and helps identify areas of need, opportunity, and future investment. 

The strategy is being delivered in three phases: 

Phase 1 (2026–2028): Focuses on competition-standard courts, Netball Victoria-affiliated venues, competitions, and pathway programs. 


Phase 2 (from early 2026): Will expand to include training courts, school-based facilities, and participation initiatives such as Woolworths NetSetGo and walking netball. 


Phase 3 (from late 2026): Will expand to include public playing spaces in an informal format such as in parklands

The strategy prioritises equitable access for women and girls, while also supporting inclusive environments for people of all genders, abilities, cultures, and identities, including multicultural, First Nations, disability, and LGBTQ+ communities. 

It ensures that every new or upgraded facility reflects Netball Victoria’s values of inclusivity, accessibility, and community connection. 

Sustainability is a core focus of the strategy. Facility planning will consider environmentally responsible design, energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of durable, low-maintenance materials. The aim is to ensure that every investment supports both the community and the environment long-term. 

Local governments are key partners in facility planning, funding, and delivery. 

The strategy provides councils with evidence and data to support joint planning and investment decisions, helping to ensure that netball’s needs are recognised within broader sport and recreation priorities. 

Read and share the Statewide Facilities Strategy within your netball community. 
Speak with your Netball Victoria region manager or Netball Victoria’s facilities team to help understand how you can advocate, promote and benefit from the Statewide Facilities Strategy in your area. 
Collaborate with local councils to align your venue plans with the strategy’s goals. 
Provide feedback and examples of successful facility projects to inform future phases.