Work begins on Jardine Park Netball Courts Reconstruction
Published on 21 July 2025
Netballers in Rockhampton are set to benefit from upgraded playing surfaces, with work beginning to reconstruct two of the older courts at Jardine Park in Wandal.
The $400,000 project will be delivered in partnership between Rockhampton Regional Council, Rockhampton Netball Association, and the Queensland Government, delivering a full reconstruction of two courts adjacent to Lion Creek Road after their existing asphalt surface reached end of life.
The project is part of a broader maintenance and renewal program at the site and will ensure Jardine Park can continue to support training, fixtures and regional competitions.
The project received $250,000 under the Queensland Government’s Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund with additional contributions from both Council and Rockhampton Netball Association provided to complete the critical works.
The project also complements Council’s initiative to establish a New Home for Rockhampton Netball as Stage 1 of the planned Rockhampton Sports Precinct.
Council has received $42 million from the Queensland Government to deliver Stage 1 of the precinct with 16 new, outdoor hard courts, netball clubhouse and regional playground. Final planning, design and preparatory works for the new facility are underway with a project update expected in the coming months.
Rockhampton netball has seen significant and sustained growth over the last 5 years with Rockhampton Netball Association (RNA) being one of the largest participation sports associations in the region with around 2,800 registered members.
Works began at Jardine Park in late June and are expected to be finished later this year.
Training and weekly fixtures at the site will continue and will utilise the remaining 10 courts during this period.
Information on Rockhampton netball, clubs, games and competitions, visit www.rockhamptonnetballassociation.com.
Quotes for Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams:
“This is an important project which would breathe new life into the existing courts at Jardine Park.
“Jardine Park has been an absolute fixture of our region with so many local players and their families spending time here.
“I think anyone who has been to netball recently will acknowledge that some of the courts definitely need some TLC. That’s why I’m pleased to see Council coming together with the State Government and Rockhampton Netball Association to invest in the site and deliver this important work.
“What’s more, we are making progress on delivering a New Home for Rockhampton Netball which will significantly expand the number of courts available across our region and give netball the space and facilities it needs to grow.
“Again, another example of the partnership we have built between the State Government, Rockhampton Netball Association and the local clubs, players and their families.
“I know both projects have been a long time in the making and I can’t wait to see a new netball facility delivered as well as an upgraded and refurbished Jardine Park.”
Quotes for Parks, Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford:
“Netball has a massive footprint here in Rockhampton, with hundreds of players, from juniors to seniors, hitting the courts every week for training, games and carnivals.
“Having safe, fit-for-purpose courts is vital not just for the day-to-day competitions, but also for attracting visiting teams and hosting major events.
“This work will extend the life of Jardine Park while we work toward a new long-term home for netball with the Rockhampton Sports Precinct project.”
Quotes for Minister for Sport, Racing and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander:
“The upgrades are essential in sustaining the huge popularity of netball in Rockhampton.
“We want to ensure Jardine Park remains a high-quality facility while we make plans to deliver the new Rockhampton Sports Precinct at CQ University.
“The Crisafulli Government has committed $47 million to Stage One of that project, which will see 16 outdoor netball courts, a new modern clubhouse, amenities, change rooms, a community play space, car parking and road connections.
“Projects like these are investments into the health and wellbeing of Central Queenslanders and as we build up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, facilities such as these are crucial to boosting sports participation in regional Queensland.”
Quotes for State Member for Rockhampton and Assistant Minister for Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Families and Seniors, and Central Queensland Donna Kirkland:
“The upgrades to Jardine Park are a timely and important investment to ensure our netball community continues to thrive while we await the delivery of the Rockhampton Sports Precinct.
“The $250,000 contribution under the Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund will allow fixtures and training to continue uninterrupted.
“Coupled with the Crisafulli Government’s landmark $42 million commitment to Stage 1 of the Rockhampton Sports Precinct, we are delivering real results for Central Queensland.
“This is more than infrastructure - it’s about creating inclusive, healthy spaces that support grassroots sport and bring our community together.
“I look forward to seeing our netballers back on the courts at Jardine Park and ultimately taking to the brand-new facilities that will shape the future of sport in our region.”
Quotes for President of Rockhampton Netball Association Simone Hitchcock:
“The reparation to two of the courts of the Jardine Park complex will provide more opportunities for teams to join already full competitions and fixtures.
“The completion of the works will allow us to offer more family friendly time frames for the younger players currently participating in Rockhampton Netball Fixtures.
“Looking forward to the next few years the two refurbished courts will allow us to increase the number of teams registered to play in our traditional season, as well as give our primary and secondary schools competition better playing surfaces than are currently available at our complex.
“We will be able to increase team participation in our annual Sullivan’s carnival which saw participation from local and regional associations reach a new record level in 2025.”
ENDS