The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale is celebrating a win after the WA Liberals promised to back the SJ Rec Centre expansion to the tune of $15million if elected on March 8.
The news comes after WA Labor made a $10 million pledge for the project last month.
“It’s fantastic news that the WA Liberals have identified the expansion of the Shire’s recreation centre as a priority to cater for the demand for indoor playing courts,” Shire President Rob Coales said.
“SJ is one of the fastest growing local government areas in the country, and our recreation centre cannot cope with current demand – let alone that of a population set to double by 2036.
“Embedding the importance of keeping active means that the community will reap the benefits later on – and that’s good news for everyone.”
The redevelopment of the recreation centre has been planned in consultation with stakeholders, including local basketball and futsal groups.
The concept plan for the expansion of the centre includes four new compliant basketball courts, plus room for other court sports plus expanded gym and creche facilities.
But even with the both major state parties promising funding, there would still be a large deficit to completely fund the $43.77 million Rec Centre expansion.
With another election due in the coming months, the shire is also calling on Federal Government funding towards sport and recreation.
“We also urge all major political parties and candidates contesting the Federal election to commit funding to sport and recreation projects in our rapidly growing Shire,” President Coales said.
The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale is also encouraging residents to sign an online letter of support for the recreation centre redevelopment.
