City welcomes Coalition commitment for Recreation and Aquatic Facility

The City of South Perth has today welcomed an election commitment of $20 million from the Coalition Government for a Recreation and Aquatic Facility (RAF) to be located within the City.

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Member for Swan Steve Irons MP made the announcement on Wednesday 17 April 2019 at Collier Park Golf Course in Como, the preferred site for the RAF.

The substantial commitment from the Coalition enables the City to progress this exciting community project to deliver a facility that will include an aquatics centre, indoor sporting courts, leisure services and community facilities.

While the detailed business plan is being prepared, the City will continue to partner with government and private sector partners including Curtin University and peak sporting bodies to secure further funding and develop the project.

“The City of South Perth warmly welcomes today’s announcement from the Coalition Government. I extend my sincere thanks to the Treasurer Josh Frydenberg as well as local Member for Swan Steve Irons MP who has been instrumental in assisting the City over many years to secure this major commitment,” City of South Perth Mayor, Sue Doherty said.

“This significant funding gives the City the confidence to move forward with the Recreation and Aquatic Facility project to create a true community facility that will service our local community members as well as those from neighbouring local governments and the Curtin University staff and student population.

“There is strong community support for an aquatics centre in the City of South Perth and the prospect of a swimming pool within the City has been under consideration for some years. One of the key strategies within the City’s Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027 is to: plan for, and promote the development of recreation and aquatic facilities to service community needs.

“Currently twelve out of 15 local schools travel at least 6km outside the City to participate in swimming lessons, school carnivals and general learn to swim programs. Additionally an aquatic facility would address swimming class waiting lists for babies through to adults, and offer hydrotherapy pools which are particularly needed by senior members of the community and those undergoing rehabilitation.”

Mr Irons said the RAF was a key priority for the Coalition because of the significant benefits for the local community.

“The South Perth community is growing and requires the best facilities to meet the local’s needs,” he said.

“The Morrison Liberal Government understands this and will deliver a new regional-scale facility in the Curtin University Precinct that can be used by the whole community.

“Over the past year I have worked closely with the City of South Perth and stakeholders to develop the concept and plans further. A re-elected Morrison Government will deliver the funding which will enable the City of South Perth to start building this facility for the community.”

The RAF will combine a number of sporting and recreation facilities into a single integrated venue to provide economies of scale in services provision, capital cost and ongoing operational costs.

The City is currently developing a detailed feasibility/business plan and the business plan is expected to be submitted to Council by July 2019.