Pat O’Hara Reserve.
Camera IconPat O’Hara Reserve. Credit: Supplied/Kristie Lim.

Bayswater Council to seek extra funding for Pat O’Hara Reserve

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

THE City of Bayswater will continue working with user groups on refining a concept plan for the redevelopment of the Morley Sport and Recreation Centre.

Perth-Bayswater Rugby Union Club, East Perth District Basketball Association, Morley Scouts, YMCA and Morley Child Health are based at Pat O’Hara Reserve and Morley Sport and Recreation Centre.

The groups have been working with the City on a master plan for several years and mutually agreed on a revised plan, following more consultation earlier this year.

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More: User groups have their say on Pat O’Hara Reserve

$75,000 feasibility study approved

Councillors on May 14 approved a redevelopment option that included two basketball courts, seating, toilets, changerooms, main rugby pitch works, sports lighting, an access way and demolition of the bitumen carpark for more bays.

The estimated cost is $6.5 million however the City has only been granted $2 million by the State Government towards the redevelopment.According to an officer’s report, the State Government wanted to see the funding used by June 2020.

The City had planned to allocate $500,000 in 2024-25 and $4.5 million in 2025-26 as part of its long-term financial plan.

The council recognised the advocacy City officers had put in to seek funding during the Federal Election and no funding had been obtained.

Morley Sport and Recreation Centre.
Camera IconMorley Sport and Recreation Centre. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mayor Dan Bull said the City would investigate the development of the centre to best use the State Government’s $2 million and continue to explore other external funding sources.

“The City will continue to lobby the Federal Government and apply for funding via the State Government’s Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund,” he said.

Cr Filomena Piffaretti said while she wanted to see something happen at the centre, she was concerned the concept plan was a “bandaid fix” because the City initially proposed a $11 million long-term redevelopment.

A City officer said the decreased estimated cost was due to the rugby club deciding to remain at its current location, rather than relocating.

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