Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

City of Perth commits $25 million to WACA redevelopment but won’t fund pool operations

City of Perth commits $25 million to WACA redevelopment but won’t fund pool operations
September 27, 2021

City of Perth Councillors have voted to rejoin the project for the redevelopment of Perth’s WACA ground, voting to contribute $25 million towards the $100 million redevelopment of the famous cricket ground.

However, as reported by WA Today, the Council will not contribute to the upgraded facility’s upkeep and operations.

The Council voted unanimously at the end of last month to contribute to the project’s capital costs after previously deciding in July to withdraw from the project - which is part of the broader $1.5 billion city deal between the Federal and Western Australian Governments.

A draft business case prepared by consultancy firm ACIL Allens for the City of Perth earlier this year suggested the Council would have to pay $125.5 million in operating subsidies over a 40-year period, which would result in rate rises.

However, Western Australian Government advisory body Infrastructure WA prepared separate analysis of costs, after a request by Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan, which estimated it would only cost the city half as much as had been presented.

Premier McGowan has maintained the state government was committed to building a pool at the WACA ever since the City of Perth pulled out of the project.

Western Australian Planning Minister, Rita Saffioti welcomed the Council’s change of mind, stating “it’s important the City of Perth embrace the city deal and contribute adequate financial support to the overall agreement, above the $25 million, given they have refused to accept their basic local government responsibility of running an aquatic facility.

“Local governments across the country, from major cities to small regional towns, are able run community swimming pools.”

A development application for the WACA works submitted to the Western Australian Government’s development agency this month had removed the aquatic facility from the first stage of the project following the Council’s earlier rejection.

Related Articles

12th September 2021 - Western Australian Government announces Aventuur as preferred developer of Perth surf park

31st August 2021 - AFL 2021 Grand Final to be played at Perth’s Optus Stadium

20th August 2021 - Work begins on upgrades to Perth’s historic WACA ground

7th July 2021 - City of Perth withdraws from funding community swimming pool at WACA ground

1st July 2021 - City of Perth looks to back out of WACA pool project agreement

26th March 2021 - Latest designs revealed for transformation of Perth’s WACA Ground

3rd August 2020 - Perth’s WACA to be remodelled as 10000-capacity boutique venue

15th December 2019 - Cricket welcomes Federal Government funding towards the WACA Ground

5th October 2019 - Former Western Australian Sport Minister Terry Waldron takes on new role as WACA Chair

22nd May 2019 - Uncertain future for Perth’s historic WACA

18th September 2018 - WACA and Murdoch University agree formalisation of long-standing relationship

18th June 2020 - Cockburn ARC welcomes back patrons after Coronavirus shutdown

7th October 2019 - LIWA Aquatics’ new President outlines future association objectives

29th March 2019 - LIWA Aquatics to mark 50th anniversary


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Ungerboeck Software

As of February 2023, Ungerboeck Software has rebranded as Momentus Technologies.

read more

Entertainment / Events / Hospitality / Technology / Venues

 
 

METRA Australia

With industry leading solutions in design and durability you can improve your facilities with our access control operations, payment systems and flexible personal locker storage solutions. Your…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Fitness / Recreation / Security

 
 

SWIMPLEX AQUATICS

Swimplex Aquatics are a world-class company dedicated to the commercial pool, waterslide industry. We are Australian market leaders servicing all states Australia wide. Swimplex provide a full…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Design / Play / Waterparks

 
 

Aflex Inflatables

Aflex Inflatables are the leaders for obstacle courses, pool toys, waterparks and land-based watersides and fitness runs. They are industry leaders offering the widest range of pool, lake and beach…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Waterparks

 
 

Quayclean

Quayclean are a national cleaning and waste services partner with proven results in the understanding and delivery of cleaning needs and challenges faced by facilities including; major venues and…

read more

Aquatics / Hospitality / Surfaces / Venues

 
 

WATERPLAY Solutions Corp

Whether your goal is increasing your centre's revenues or creating an engaging environment, why not add play to your project? If you're looking for stylish aquatic play features, kid-tested…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Play / Recreation / Waterparks

 
 

Otium Planning Group

Otium Planning Group is a contemporary sport and leisure consultancy providing services in planning, facility development, management and funding for the sport, recreation and leisure industries…

read more

Aquatics / Consultants / Recreation / Sport / Venues

 
 

PathMinder

PathMinder Pty Ltd have partnered with AllUser Industries srl to bring Europe’s most advanced high security portals to the Australian and New Zealand markets. AllUser Industries started to…

read more

Access / Fitness / Recreation / Security

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business