By James Martin MP
Our local community is undoubtedly the heart and soul of Queensland’s Badminton community. So many locals are passionate about the sport and it’s something we excel at – there’s no doubt in my mind that we could be producing future Olympic champions.
We have passion and talent in abundance, but what we lack is infrastructure. That’s why I’m partnering with Queensland Badminton Association, Brisbane Badminton Association, and Table Tennis Queensland to campaign for a much needed new facility to ensure Stretto becomes a sporting hub and a legacy centre for decades to come.
Why Badminton? Why Now?
Badminton is one of the fastest-growing sports in Queensland. According to the latest national participation data, nearly 400,000 Australians played badminton over the past year. In Queensland alone, over 42,000 people aged 15 and over are active in the sport, with a remarkable 86% surge in participation since 2018. The sport is especially popular among school-age children, with growing numbers flocking to both school programs and local clubs.
Despite this popularity, current facilities are stretched well beyond capacity. Local athletes often struggle to find venues for training, while juniors and young families face limited opportunities due to restricted venue access. This not only limits participation, but also stifles the development of future champions and denies our community the chance to host local and national competitions.
Meanwhile, other states—like Victoria—have invested in large-scale badminton centres, attracting talent, events, and development opportunities away from Queensland. The absence of suitable facilities has even meant that Queensland athletes often relocate interstate, missing out on the support and recognition they deserve in their home state.
Stretton: The Right Place for a Sporting Legacy
Stretton is the perfect location for a new, dedicated badminton facility. Here’s why:
- High Participation: The Stretton area and its surrounds boast some of the highest rates of badminton and table tennis engagement in Queensland. Our multicultural communities are especially active and passionate about these sports.
- Demographic Demand: A significant portion of club members and school-age players live locally, providing a strong base for ongoing community involvement.
- Strategic Accessibility: Stretton is well-connected by public transport and main roads, making it accessible for participants from across Brisbane and South-East Queensland.
- Land Availability: Preliminary research has identified several promising sites, including state-owned land near the Queensland State Archives, Runcorn State High School, and TAFE Acacia Ridge.
The Problems We Need to Solve
Despite the enthusiasm for badminton in Stretton and across Queensland, our facilities fall far short. The challenges are clear:
1. Facility Shortage
There are not enough courts or venues to meet current and future demand. Most available spaces are school halls or privately run, which are often expensive and inaccessible at key times. This locks out juniors, casual players, and aspiring athletes.
2. Equity and Inclusion
Current venues do not meet the needs of para-athletes or players with disabilities. There is no dedicated space for para-badminton in Brisbane, making inclusion and equal opportunity impossible for many community members.
3. Limited Event Hosting
Without high-quality venues, Queensland cannot attract or host major tournaments. This means missing out on economic, social, and cultural benefits, as well as opportunities to inspire the next generation through exposure to elite competition.
A Facility for Everyone
Building a new facility in Stretton isn’t just about sport—it’s about community, health, inclusion, and economic opportunity. Here’s what the new centre will deliver:
- Grassroots and Family Participation: Open play sessions, junior development, school programs, and social leagues will encourage physical activity for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
- Elite Training and Development: A home base for coaching, talent identification, and training for future Olympians and Paralympians—keeping Queensland’s best talent right here in Stretton.
- Accessible for All: Inclusive design will ensure access for para-badminton players and people with disabilities, promoting equal opportunity and community pride.
- Event and Tournament Hosting: The venue will be equipped to host local, state, national, and even international events, boosting tourism, trade, and local jobs.
- Multipurpose Use: Flexible spaces will serve not just badminton, but also table tennis, fencing, fitness classes, and community gatherings.
- Education and Workforce Development: Training programs for coaches, referees, and volunteers will create pathways into sport and community leadership.
Economic and Social Impact: More Than Just a Court
Investing in new sporting infrastructure is good for everyone. Research shows every $1 spent on sport delivers $7 in economic and social benefits, driving improvements in health, productivity, and community wellbeing. The 2032 Brisbane Games are projected to generate over $8 billion in benefits for Queensland alone, and facilities like the one proposed for Stretton will help us capture those gains locally.
By building a Centre of Excellence for badminton (and complementary sports like table tennis), Stretton will not only address today’s facility shortage, but also position itself as the home of future champions and a destination for events, visitors, and families from across the region.
Letters of Support: The Sporting Community Stands United
This campaign is backed by the leading voices in Queensland’s badminton and table tennis community:
- Queensland Badminton Association: “There is a general lack of facilities for the community as well as a significant lack of quality facilities for competitions… We are supportive of a multi-use sports facility where badminton is prioritised in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Games.”
- Brisbane Badminton Association: “A multi-use sports facility that prioritises badminton would help establish a meaningful legacy, providing a local training environment for athletes and positioning Brisbane as a destination for future competitions.”
- Table Tennis Queensland: “We endorse the proposal to explore and assess options for developing a multi-sport facility with a strong emphasis on badminton and table tennis. This initiative would provide long-term benefits, taking pressure off existing facilities and allowing for world-class training.”
How You Can Help: Join the Campaign
I’m calling on our community to get campaign for a new badminton facility in Stretton. Show your support by signing our petitions:
