Southeastern councils in campaign for more major sport facilities

THE Cities of Armadale, Gosnells and Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale have joined a new 11-councils campaign to create more major sport and recreation facilities in their areas.

The Growth Areas Perth and Peel (GAPP) campaign aims to lobby the Federal Government for a combined $350m contribution to major sporting projects within the 11 local government areas.

Each of the 12 proposed projects would receive a portion of the funding, capped at $30m.

Armadale is asking for $30m in Federal funding for the proposed $114.9m Armadale Regional Recreational Reserve as part of the campaign.

The development would turn vacant land on the corner of Armadale Road and Tonkin Highway, Haynes into a multi-sport hub supporting soccer, AFL, rugby codes, diamond sports, cricket and cycling as well as a men’s shed and community garden.

Armadale mayor Henry Zelones said the development would provide an important asset for the local community to enjoy.

“The development of facilities such as this has many health benefits for our growing population and will provide our youth the same high quality sporting facilities and training that is available to youth in Perth’s established communities,” he said.

“With a lack of funding this project will remain a blueprint for years, that is why we have joined together to advocate for the fund.”

Gosnells chief executive Ian Cowie said the City wants their $30m to be put towards the proposed $119.6m redevelopment of Huntingdale’s ageing Sutherlands Park.

“(Sutherlands Park) is the City’s largest active open space and already services more than three times the recommended catchment population,” he said.

“The Sutherlands Park project will not be possible without Federal Government support and the City hopes that, through the GAPP campaign, a special purpose fund can be developed to enable the City to build this major regional sporting facility.”

Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale president Michelle Rich said they would use their $30m funding contribution for the much-needed Kiernan Park Recreation Precinct in Mundijong, which could include pools, a BMX track and space for netball, AFL, rugby, cricket and soccer.

She said residents in the Shire were crying out for a greater range of sporting facilities.

“Rapid population growth flows through to local sporting clubs, who are seeing their numbers swell. Without access to adequate facilities, these clubs can’t grow, and new clubs can’t form,” she said.

“We have 120 sporting and community groups in the Shire and the unfortunate reality is that current facilities just don’t meet demand.

“Local athletes are often forced to travel significant distances to train and play, and clubs simply don’t have the facilities they require to take on new members.”

The GAPP campaign includes the cities of Armadale, Canning, Cockburn, Gosnells, Kalamunda, Kwinana, Mandurah, Rockingham, Swan and Wanneroo as well as the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale.

Visit www.gapp.org.au for more information.