A call by the WA Local Government Association to return the State Government's Community Sport and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF) to a minimum $20 million dollars per year has been supported by the City of Armadale.
According to the City's Chief Executive Officer Ray Tame, WALGA's statement is part of their State Budget submission for the 2018/19 year, and acknowledges the importance of the fund for the future of community services and facilities that are vital to local communities.
“This relatively small fund is the only source of support for local government and community sporting associations across our vast state. Cut back to just $12 million in 2017/18 the funds quickly ran out when you consider a local sports facility costs between $4 million and $8 million. Individual applications are now limited to $1 million per facility, with the States share normally limited to one third of the total cost.”
“In the past, the Armadale community has relied on the fund to contribute to major projects such as the redevelopment of the Armadale Aquatic Centre and projects like floodlighting for Gwynne Park,” Mr Tame said.
WALGA's submission is lodged annually providing recommendations to the State Government, as the peak body representing 138 local governments across Western Australia.
The City's Advocacy Strategy due to be updated early in 2018 will highlight key transformational projects in our district, which could benefit from State Government funding, over the coming years.
“In addition to CSRFF funding above, we will be advocating for a new fund for projects such as the Armadale Regional Recreation Reserve located at the corner of the Tonkin Highway and Armadale Road. Other projects we will be seeking State Government action including the upgrade of the Armadale rail-line and its extension to Byford and Mundijong,” Mr Tame said.
