A City of Canning councillor said he was thrilled to have the Prime Minister visit the Willetton Basketball Association last week and hoped it was a sign Federal funding was on the way.
Ben Kunze attended Malcolm Turnbull’s visit to the WBA on September 2 and said it was evidence Canberra had started to take notice of the Association’s campaign to upgrade its facilities.
“It’s fantastic to have the Prime Minister here,” he said.
“This project won’t happen if we don’t get Federal funding.
“$11 million is a massive amount and the council stands ready, we just need the federal funding.
“Having the Prime Minister here is a great sign.”
The WBA has plans to massively expand its current facilities, including building five new courts, new change rooms, storeroom and public toilets.
The club said it hoped the $11 million could be obtained by funding from the Federal and State governments, the City of Canning and WBA fundraising.
The City of Canning has committed to support the development if it receives enough funding from the Federal and State governments and the WBA has raised about $800,000 toward the development.
Mr Kunze said the Association’s fundraising effort was evidence it was working hard to have its plan realised.
“I got to know the basketball stadium and its people some time ago,” he said.
“One thing that helps it stand out, just like the Rossmoyne Netball Club, is it’s doing the work itself.
“It’s not just sticking out its hand and asking for money.
“It’s taken on planning, lobbying of different parties, it’s fundraised its own money for some time to see it happen.
“It’s important to support clubs that support themselves and that’s exactly what the Willetton Basketball Association is doing with this expansion.”
