Help Choose Proserpine’s Next Basketball Court

Consultation results and next steps

We thank the community for having their say on the preferred location for Proserpine's next basketball court! 

While each location presented opportunities and challenges, concerns about impacts on neighbouring residents were a recurring theme, and Council ultimately determined that Les Stagg Oval, as an established sporting precinct, was the most appropriate location to rebuild the basketball half-court.

Please view our Consultation summary or detailed Consultation Report. Key feedback included:

• Across the individual submissions, Halpannel Park received the highest number of site selections (70), followed by Les Stagg Oval (52) and Keith Johns Estate Park (48). 
• Preferences differed across participant groups. Proserpine State School students showed strongest support for Keith Johns Estate Park, the St Catherine’s Catholic College and majority of parents with school aged children preferred Halpannel Park, and feedback collected at the information stall strongly favoured Les Stagg Oval. 
• Across all locations, participants generally preferred a full-size, multi-purpose court incorporating shade or weather protection, appropriate lighting, supporting amenities and safe pedestrian, cycling and vehicle access.
• Two near-neighbour petitions containing 47 signatures opposed courts at Halpannel Park and Keith Johns Estate Park. Key concerns included noise, lighting, traffic, parking, safety, anti-social behaviour, property amenity and Council’s capacity to manage after-hours use. 
• Halpannel Park was supported for its central location, available space and potential for a full-size, multi-purpose court. Concerns focused on impacts on nearby residents, limited off-street parking and the loss of grassed space used for other recreation. 
• Keith Johns Estate Park was supported for its proximity to schools, families and housing, strong walking and cycling connections, and desire to provide recreation for older children. Concerns focused on parking, residential amenity and possible conflicts with the playground, off-leash dog area, walking paths and other existing park uses. 
• Les Stagg Oval was supported because it is an established sporting precinct suitable for co-locating facilities, matches and competitions. Concerns included parking pressures during sporting events, accessibility for young people, lighting and visibility, and the limited space available for a full-size court without affecting future rugby league planning or game day parking. 

We are exploring options for a new basketball court in Proserpine to support informal recreation, particularly for young people. Three potential locations are being considered: Halpannel Park, Keith Johns Estate Park or Les Stagg Oval.

In 2022, our consultation captured limited community feedback that indicated some preference for a new court in Halpannel Park; however, participation was low and not representative. Subsequent planning raised concerns from nearby residents regarding noise, amenity and proximity to homes.

The existing basketball facility at Les Stagg Oval has reached the end of its asset life, and renewing it is only marginally cheaper than constructing a new court. The Proserpine Junior Complex is not being considered, as it is not within walking distance for many young people who are most likely to use the facility for casual play.

We are seeking community feedback to help identify the most suitable location, balancing accessibility, neighbourhood amenity and community needs. Feedback will inform Council’s decision before progressing to detailed design, costing and future construction, subject to budget consideration.

View the fact sheet and have your say via the survey below, or visit our upcoming information stall to learn more:

• Proserpine Freshfields – Friday 3 July, 9am – 1pm