The Rossmoyne Netball Club may soon have the toilet and equipment storage block it has fundraised years for after the City of Canning approved a grant for more than $60,000 toward its development.
After vocal public debate at its August 15 meeting, the council eventually voted unanimously to provide a funding grant for the project, which will assist development of a dedicated storage space, toilet and shelter at Shelley Park.
The grant is part of the city’s Community and Sporting Facilities Reserve and will support years of fundraising by the Rossmoyne Netball Club.
The club currently has 411 members in 37 teams and members said coaches had to store equipment at homes between training and matches because they lacked a proper storage facility.
Rossmoyne Netball Club coach Gail Williams said the development was overdue.
“We’re the largest netball club in the City of Canning,” she said.
“The club needs this. We have been working hard towards this and have been fundraising for five years.”
The funding request met resistance from residents, with some living nearby frustrated they had not been consulted about the development proposal.
However, the city said it was important to remember the building’s placement and size would be decided at a later date.
At the meeting councillor Patrick Hall said he believed it was a simple decision to make.
“This is for a winter sport so players can seek shelter without having to jump into cars and is a place to store equipment for the club,” he said.
“At the moment coaches have to take that equipment home and that’s not sustainable for the club.”
Councillor Christine Cunningham agreed and said it was important for the city to support community clubs.
“I am exceptionally pleased to have the opportunity to support and encourage a grassroots women’s sport,” she said.
“I understand we must cater for women’s more extensive requirements to visit the toilets.
“We need a comfortable place for our young ladies and women to continue to play sport.”
The council voted 10-0 in support of the proposal.
The city’s chief executive will continue to investigate the placement and cost of the facility once the Department of Local Government has approved the grant.
