She said years of lobbying the government had finally paid off with a $6 million commitment by the State Government to redevelop Hartfield Park in Forrestfield and a $2 billion rail line extension through Perth Airport to the suburb.
‘The money for Hartfield Park does not include funds to rebuild the recreation centre but that is a whole other stage of the redevelopment,’ she said.
‘We have been working on a master plan for the site and this funding will take care of most of it.’
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READ NOWThe Hartfield Park plan includes a new skate park, three hockey fields, a soccer ground, secure lighting, a state-of-the-art water harvesting reticulation system, upgraded clubrooms, more parking and better security.
Treasurer Troy Buswell confirmed a further $10,000 would be spent on building a secure equipment shed for tee-ball.
‘The 2013-14 Budget locks in $150,000 to start the project off, with the remaining funds to be allocated in 2014-15 and 2015-16,’ he said.
Ms Hardy said the $150,000 would be used for the project development, which would include feasibility, scoping and assessment.
She said the Budget announcement took a weight off the Shire’s shoulders.
‘For 30-odd years, it seems that the eastern region did not receive much attention from State government funding. But with this announcement, I think the area will now begin to feel the benefits,’ Ms Hardy said.
Ms Hardy said the Shire would be under pressure to get projects completed before its proposed amalgamation with the City of Belmont in 2015.
However, she does not expect that to happen.