The WA Liberals have announced a raft of election promises in Perth’s southern suburbs, focusing on community sports facilities and promoting physical activity within the local area.
Among the promises is a $37.5 million funding commitment to build a 12-court indoor multi-sport stadium in Kensington, which would become the new home of, and be managed by, the Perth Basketball Association (the Redbacks) and also serve as the home to the Perth Reds Volleyball Association.
The announcement comes following a petition signed by over 10,000 people, calling for a new stadium for the Perth Redbacks, who are currently based at the Leisurelife Centre (formerly the Park Recreation Centre) in East Victoria Park.
Last November, WA Labor committed $2 million towards planning for a new sports centre in Kensington.
The WA Liberals believe that, in addition to being used by the Redbacks, the Reds, and other indoor sporting groups, the new stadium would benefit Curtin University, Como Secondary College, Kent Street Senior High School, other local primary and secondary schools, and community groups in the area.
If built, it would become the largest indoor court facility in Western Australia, according to the Liberals, supporting basketball, volleyball, netball, badminton, and more and serving a significant portion of the Perth metropolitan area.
WA Liberal Leader Libby Mettam said she was proud to make the funding pledge and the project and its location reflect the needs of the community.
“Our Building a Better Future blueprint makes it clear that health is a top priority, which is why we are serious about investing to support the physical and mental health of our community by giving kids and adults the best opportunity to stay fit, active, and connected through sport,” she said.
“We stand with 10,000 petitioners and the local community who think the Kensington site represents an amazing opportunity for South Perth and the wider community.”
In a separate announcement, WA Liberal candidate for Riverton, Amanda Spencer-Teo, announced the party is pledging $110,000 in funding for exercise equipment on the Shelley Beach Foreshore, aiming to promote outdoor physical activity within the community.
“The WA Liberals are committed to getting our community out and about and keeping active, which is why if elected in 2025, we will install the exercise equipment that forms part of the Shelley Beach Masterplan Stage 2,” she said in a Facebook post.
Spencer-Teo also promised $77,000 to the Riverton Aquanauts for much-needed equipment and facility upgrades at the Riverton Leisureplex.
The upgrades would include renovations to the alfresco area at the Riverton Leisureplex, featuring a dry-land strength and conditioning area, an outdoor BBQ, and seating for the Riverton Aquanauts and patrons.
Additionally, the upgrades would include anti-wave ropes, enabling swimmers of all levels to use the pool without interference from the waves generated by the elite squad swimmers.
“Getting our kids and young adults of all abilities off the couch and screens and into sports and recreation is our priority,” Spencer-Teo said.
WA Deputy Premier and Treasurer Rita Saffioti is sceptical of the Liberals’ promises and criticised its financial approach.
“This inexperienced team has already committed almost $7 billion worth of election commitments but refuse to have them costed by Treasury”, she said.
“Under the last Liberal and National Government, net debt went through the roof and WA lost its triple-A credit rating. We can’t let that happen again.”
