Mayor Tony Herbert said he didn't believe there would be any problem getting the project funded after councillors gave it their in-principle support to the idea which has been mooted for the area next to the carnival site.

The proposal came to the councillors' community small infrastructure fund - which has about $800,000 in it - but because of the location of the proposed court it was decided to include the project in the foreshore precinct plan first.

Cr Herbert said that would allow the council to plan where it could be placed in line with other changes that are planned for the area.

The council is investigating whether to move the McGennans car park toilets closer to the beach, or rebuild them where they are.

Cr Herbert said it didn't mean the basketball court idea would be excluded for planning, it might just take a little more time for it to happen.

Brendan Gleeson and Peter Watson first raised the idea for the basketball court, and it has been given the backing of the Warrnambool Basketball Association - which recently secured the rights to host the new 3x3 Hustle events which are mostly played on outdoor courts.

The new style of basketball is set to be an Olympic sport.

Cr Herbert said the participation rate in basketball was through the roof. "We believe it would be an absolutely fantastic location," he said. "I remain very hopeful. We just want to make sure it's in the right spot."

He said if there was an exhibition match held there, the hill would provide a natural grandstand.

Cr Mike Neoh said active recreation, modified sport and social sport would continue to be on the agenda whilst we're in restrictions.

"A basketball court down on the foreshore precinct would be great for locals but also the tourists that come along," he said.

"A bit like the pétanque rink, it will be exciting for Lake Pertobe to have that basketball down there."

Cr Kylie Gaston said the move for a basketball court on the foreshore was particularly pertinent during these COVID times with more people outside.

"It needs to be placed in the right spot and hopefully in time it will become a tourist attraction in its own right," she said.

Cr Gaston said it was good that it would be included in the foreshore precinct plan.

Cr Sue Cassidy described the foreshore basketball court as a "brilliant idea".

"It's something that any age group would love, mums and dads and kids having one-on-ones on the basketball court. It's a really good initiative that has been brought to us," she said.