The WA Government has announced one of the most significant investments in sport and community infrastructure in Western Australian history, with a $300 million package as part of the WA Recovery Plan.
The historic plan will benefit a range of projects throughout the State and create a pipeline of WA jobs, with local small businesses and contractors also set to benefit.
The $130 million sports facilities package includes $30 million towards the major redevelopment of the iconic WACA Ground, including a community aquatic centre.
The State Government funding matches the Federal Government’s contribution, and is contingent on the City of Perth providing a funding contribution towards the community project.
The package will help to make sporting venues across the State more sustainable, with a focus on renewable technology. Other significant upgrades include:
- $20 million to kickstart a recreation precinct at Keirnan Park in Mundijong;
- $10 million towards a new community swimming pool facility at Alkimos;
- $10 million to the Baldivis Indoor Recreation Centre;
- $2.67 million for the Kingsway Regional Sporting Complex to assist with the development of community football facilities;
- $1.5 million allocated to upgrade existing halogen lights at HBF Arena (Joondalup) and HBF Stadium to LED lighting;
- $1 million for solar panels to the roof of HBF Stadium to reduce energy consumption and improve environmental performance;
- $2 million for a high-performance dry land centre for Diving WA at HBF Stadium;
- $350,000 for permanent shade installed at outdoor pools at HBF Stadium and leisure spaces at HBF Arena, providing sun protection for patrons;
- $5 million for the Hands Oval rebuild in Bunbury;
- $10 million towards the Aqua Jetty Stage 2 project in Warnbro to provide increased program and services opportunities for people of all ages and abilities;
- $6 million to fund the Donnybrook and Districts Sporting and Recreation Precinct; and
- $5 million for improvements to Ray Owen Reserve in Lesmurdie.
The package also includes the $16.25 million investment towards the State Football Centre in Queens Park, jointly funded with the Commonwealth Government.
The $170 million community infrastructure package will deliver upgrades to a wide range of important local facilities across the State. It includes:
- $1.3 million for planning for the Tantabiddi Boat Ramp redevelopment in Exmouth;
- $1.86 million for a new Ellenbrook Youth Centre;
- $2 million to deliver water tanks for volunteer bush fire brigades;
- $9.69 million to replace Woodman Point Jetty;
- $6 million to restore the Ascot Kilns site in accordance with State heritage registration;
- $500,000 towards cliff face restoration works at Arthur Head in Fremantle;
- $1.6 million for preservation work at the World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison;
- $1.3 million for conservation works on eight houses in the Parry Street Precinct;
- $600,000 to expand the Warradale Community Centre in Landsdale;
- $3 million for a new youth centre in the Madeley-Darch area;
- $400,000 upgrades and maintenance to the heritage-listed Beagle Bay Church;
- $20 million to construct a 70-bed Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation facility in Kununurra, providing temporary accommodation for Aboriginal people visiting;
- $3.2 million for a water playground at the Kununurra Leisure Centre;
- $4.9 million for revitalisation of the Ern Halliday Recreation Camp;
- $9.7 million for irrigation of public open space in Broome; and
- $8 million for additional youth and community infrastructure.
The package includes funding for essential infrastructure and services in Western Australia’s remote Aboriginal communities, including:
- $12.9 million towards the response to ‘Closing the Gap’ in WA’s remote Aboriginal communities as a result of the withdrawal of Commonwealth funding; and
- $38.9 million for remote communities and town-based communities’ water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades.