The Western Australian Government is bringing forward $4.65 million in infrastructure funding to help State Sporting Associations (SSAs) maintain their assets such as grounds and buildings.
The Western Australian Government normally allocates $2 million a year under the State Sporting Infrastructure Fund.
By switching to a triennium (three-year) funding model and bringing forward funding, SSAs will be able to meet their current facility operating costs, ensure their buildings and grounds are ready as COVID-19 restrictions ease, and undertake larger maintenance and capital
works projects identified in asset maintenance plans.
The funding is being provided to SSAs that operate venues capable of hosting state and national level sporting competition as identified in the State Sporting Infrastructure Plan. The funding will be for works such as:
- maintaining an asset in ready for service condition;
- routine maintenance and minor works in accordance with an asset maintenance plan;
- capital projects; and
- energy and water efficiency initiatives.
One of the beneficiaries will be the Eight Ball Federation's facility in Queens Park which will be allocated $100,000 for infrastructure maintenance and improvement.
Other projects to be funded include:
- $1.6 million to Hockey WA for the Perth Hockey Stadium turf replacement program and other works;
- $650,000 to the Whiteman Park International Shooting Complex for various maintenance projects to support the clubs based at the venue; and
- $450,000 to Baseball WA for projects at Baseball Park.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:
"Bringing the funding forward will help State Sporting Associations that had to close their venues to bounce back from COVID-19.
"It will also help kickstart the economy by providing work for the construction and trades industries, as well as the professional services sector as soon as possible.
"This approach to allocate funding over a three-year period will reduce the administrative burden on SSAs and it is more suitable for planning and delivering larger capital projects."
As stated by Cannington MLA Bill Johnston:
"The Eight Ball Federation is a valued part of our community, so I'm pleased that the McGowan Government is supporting the Federation to continue its excellent work.
"The McGowan Government's support for the Eight Ball Federation will create local jobs here in Queens Park, and it will make our community an even better place to live."
