PDBA Public Update – Penrith Basketball Negotiations

The Penrith District Basketball Association (PDBA) remains committed to providing accessible, affordable, and community-focused basketball opportunities for all players and families in the Penrith region. 

We sincerely thank the community for its understanding and support in ensuring everyone is updated and informed about what has occurred.  

A recent media report outlined the ongoing discussions between PDBA and the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre (PVRSC) regarding proposed increases to court hire fees and office space charges. 

While we recognise the operational pressures facing community facilities, it is important that members and the public understand the context behind PDBA’s position. 

Background

For more than 37 years, PDBA has operated from the Herbert Street facility, delivering competitions and development programs that engage over 3,500 members annually.  

This long-standing relationship has always been grounded in a shared community purpose — providing affordable, local sporting opportunities for Penrith residents. 

On 3 October, PDBA received a final short-term proposal from PVRSC that included:  

Court hire at $120 + GST per hour ($132 total) — an increase of $37 per hour (39%) from July 2025 rates; 
Office space at $1,000 + GST per week ($1,100 total) — a new charge not previously applied; and 
A 50% (~$150,000+) deposit requirement to secure bookings. 
These changes represented a significant increase that, if accepted, would have significantly increased player registration fees and made local basketball unaffordable for many families.  

Over the past three years, PDBA has absorbed all court hire rate increases to maintain affordability and ensure continued access to the sport for all. However, due to the scale and timing of the latest increase, it was not financially feasible to absorb it without compromising service
delivery or operational sustainability. 

PDBA carefully reviewed the proposal in consultation with its member clubs, senior teams, and community representatives. It was unanimously agreed that the proposed increases were not financially sustainable for a not-for-profit association serving local families. 

In good faith, PDBA provided a written response on 8 October 2025, confirming that while the Association could not accept PVRSC’s offer dated 3 October 2025, it remained willing to meet and explore alternative, fair solutions on court hire fees and payment terms. 

To manage operational costs responsibly, PDBA has vacated its former office space at PVRSC and secured a more cost-effective alternative location. 

This proactive decision ensures that member funds remain directed towards programs and competitions — not administrative overheads. 

Council’s Role and Community Impact

In recent statements, PVRSC referenced the conditions of a Penrith City Council loan and the requirement that its operating model “reflect future costs and needs of the facility.” 

While PDBA acknowledges the importance of financial sustainability, Council-supported community facilities must continue to prioritise affordability and access for local residents. The land is leased from Council, which also nominates a representative to the PVRSC board. 

Basketball in Penrith is not a commercial enterprise — it is a community sport that connects young people, families, and schools. 

Any model that excludes players due to cost pressures may impact the community benefits these facilities are meant to deliver. Council has a responsibility to ensure its funding arrangements do not disadvantage the people the facility was built to serve. 

Following recent discussions, PDBA has provided detailed background information to Penrith City Councillors, as well as State and Federal Members, many of whom were previously unaware of the independent Otium Review findings or the current challenges at PVRSC. 

PDBA financial support to PVRSC

PDBA has supported PVRSC with interest free loans ($252,958) and emergency levy ($108,000) since 2020 with short notice. These supported the Court 3 & 4 repairs light upgrades and equipment purchases.  

PVRSC currently has an outstanding loan balance, with 19 monthly repayments remaining to PDBA.  

Current Status

PDBA has received formal correspondence on 16 October 2025 from the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre (PVRSC) outlining their latest position regarding court hire rates. 

PVRSC’s Offer: 

· The hourly rate for competition bookings, effective 1 November 2025, will be $132 (inc GST). 
· However, in recognition of your correspondence through your solicitors offering $120 (inc GST), we will apply a discount to align with that rate. 
· For clubs booking courts for training, a $42 discount will apply, resulting in a $90 (inc. GST) hourly rate. 
· All existing booking terms and conditions will remain unchanged. 
Hourly Rate- The $120 per hour rate previously offered by PDBA was calculated based on also retaining office space at the venue. As PDBA no longer requires office space, the same $120 rate without that inclusion represents a higher effective cost and remains above what would be considered reasonable or sustainable for community competition use. According to comparative data (Chart below), the proposed rate remains higher than typical community court hire rates. 

Existing booking terms – unchanged from previous offer, a 50% upfront (~$150,000+) deposit requirement to secure bookings. The course of dealing over time demonstrates that any requirement for payment of a deposit has been waived as a term of hire. 

PDBA will review this latest offer in full before providing a formal response, continuing to advocate for an outcome that ensures basketball in Penrith remains accessible, affordable and community focused. 

PDBA Directors