CANNINGTON MLA Bill Johnston says the State Government is currently in no position to make Queens Park the home of football in WA.
Swan Labor candidate Hannah Beazley last week pledged $10 million towards construction of a state football centre at Maniana Park, pending a Labor victory at this year’s Federal election.
The project would require funding from all levels of government to become a reality, but Mr Johnston said the State Government was at this stage unable to commit any money.
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READ NOWHe said while he had not seen a business case yet, he had spoken with Football West on multiple occasions and endorsed Queens Park as the location.
“I think a State Football Centre in Queens Park is a good idea and I think the community would support the project,” he said.
“I haven’t investigated the best site, but our local community has many good locations.”
State Football Centre ‘dead’ without commitment from Labor
Two years ago former Premier Colin Barnett pledged $37m towards a $50m soccer centre in Ashfield, but his Liberal Government lost the State election and the plan fell over soon after.
The centre proposed for Queens Park could be used as the administrative base for Football West, a training ground for Perth Glory’s men’s and women’s teams and be capable of hosting touring international sides.
A petition started by Swan MHR Steve Irons and his Liberal Party colleague Senator Linda Reynolds calling for the Maniana Park development has more than 2300 signatures and support from Football West.
City of Canning chief executive Arthur Kyron said the project had not been formally considered by the City of Canning council, but welcomed the opportunity to work with the Department of Sport and Recreation and Football West.
He said the City’s priorities would include preservation of the local environment, improving community amenity and activation opportunities.