Media Statements: Statements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx RSS feed for the Statements list. Department of the Premier and Cabinet Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:16:26 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 list Media Statements: Statements /_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx Barbagallo Raceway to benefit from multi-million dollar upgrade http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132776 Content:

The Western Australian motor racing fraternity will benefit from a multi-million dollar upgrade to Barbagallo Raceway.

 

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron announced the upgrade today and said track safety would be a key focus of work done at the track.

 

“Close to $5million will be injected into WA motorsport and will result in a better track and safety gains,” Mr Waldron said.

 

“The upgrades will include widening, resurfacing and lighting of the entire track, improved safety fencing and upgraded communication equipment.

 

“The funding will allow for the installation of CCTV cameras for increased safety and provision of a portable media centre and briefing room for the drivers.”

 

The upgrade is a joint project between the State Government and the Western Australian Sporting Car Club (WASCC).

 

Mr Waldron said the raceway had been confirmed by the GHD report as the best venue for local and major national and international motorsport events.

 

“Retaining and improving Barbagallo builds on the legacy created by the WASCC, which has  been operating from the venue since 1967,” he said.

 

“Barbagallo is used every week of the year by local motorsport enthusiasts but is also frequently used by WA Police and other driver training and road safety organisations.

 

“Part of the $5million new funding will also pay for the necessary planning approvals for a potential new track and racing complex expansion to the north of the existing track.”

 

The long term vision outlined in the GHD report will ultimately provide greater flexibility and additional amenity for all users of the track,” the Minister said.

 

The Minister thanked the WASCC for its extensive involvement in the process the club’s development committee chairman Russell Sewell welcomed the announcement.

 

“This is a great result for the motorsport community in WA,” Mr Sewell said.“It will provide us with a solid base for growth into the future.”

 

Minister's office - 9213 7200
Date: 13/11/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Sport and Recreation
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD
]]> Arbouin, Shane Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:26:08 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132776 Small grants are a big boost for communities http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132758 Content:

Communities across the State will benefit from new and improved sporting infrastructure following the announcement of the first successful applicants under the new small grants round of the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF).

 

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said the first round recipients highlighted the benefits of the program, designed to ensure money was spent on a wider range of sport and recreation programs across the community.

 

“The implementation of a small grants round is encouraging more applications for funding through a simpler and quicker application process,” Mr Waldron said.

 

“The small grants are run twice a year and are for projects under $150,000. A total of $750,000 is available for allocation in each round.

 

“Sport and recreation plays an important role in building stronger, healthier, happier and safer communities, and the small grants make it easier for sport and recreation organisations and local governments to apply for funding.

 

“This ensures that grassroots sport and recreation organisations can provide the context for communities to be active and reap the many benefits of participation both at an individual and community level.”

                          

The 38 successful applications in this first round of small grants included:

·       Town of Port Hedland:  $75,000 - Installation of overhead lights at Gratwick Aquatic Centre

·       Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale:  $11,391 - Upgrading of two netball/basketball courts

·       City of Swan/Swan Valley Sporting Club:  $25,095 - Creation of an active reserve, including turfing, reticulation and water storage

·       Shire of Exmouth/Exmouth Golf Club:  $6,090 - Replacement of synthetic tee boxes

·       Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley:  $25,000 - Development of the Kununurra Sports Precinct Master Plan

·       Shire of Denmark:  $30,995 - Construction of a multi-purpose fitness area and new storage area

·       City of Geraldton-Greenough:  $13,752 - Relocation and upgrading of cricket nets

·       City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder/Eastern Goldfields Hockey Association Inc:  $49,577 - development of playing fields at Goldfields Hockey Stadium

·       Shire of Westonia:  $32,616 - Upgrading of the Westonia Pioneer Memorial Pool and surrounding pool grounds

·       Shire of Manjimup:  $15,200 - Installation of a drainage system at Pemberton Oval.

 

The next round of grants opens in February 2010.  For more information on CSRFF grants, contact your local Department of Sport and Recreation office.  A full list of grant recipients is available on the DSR website at http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au or by calling 9492 9700.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7200
Date: 10/11/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Sport and Recreation
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:52:24 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132758 Minister introduces changes to combat sports legislation http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132622 Content:

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron has introduced to Parliament significant changes to the legislation governing the combat sports industry.

 

“While the government acknowledges that the majority of combat sports contests in our state are approved and safely run, there are a small minority of events that cause concern and threaten to give the combat sports industry a bad name,” Mr Waldron said.

 

The changes to the Professional Combat Sports Act (1987) would improve the control measures of contest events and increased the health and safety of all participants, from amateur to professional level. These apply to sports such as karate, boxing, mixed martial arts, kickboxing, Brazilian jujitsu and judo.

 

A key amendment to the Act would ensure it applies to all levels of the industry, as previously it applied only to the ‘professional’ aspect.

 

The Minister would have a clearly defined function in the approval of rules for contests and the term ‘contest’ will now relate to all combat sports contests, previously it applied only to professional bouts for those aged over 18.

 

There will also be increased penalties for offences breaching the Act.

 

Regulations are now being reviewed to ensure the appropriate level of community compliance so the new legislation can be achieved.

 

Changes to the legislation were sparked by a review of the combat sports industry in 2006, where concerns were raised by both industry representatives and members of the commission regarding the safety involved in some amateur events being run and of inappropriate conduct.

 

“Some of the concerns raised during the review process included having no medical practitioner on site, a lack of rules and inexperienced officials at non-sanctioned bouts, all of which are a great risk to the safety of those participating in such competitions,” Mr Waldron said.

 

“The legislation will provide greater protection and assurance to all participants, ensuring they are competing in the safest environment possible.”

 

Minister's office - 9213 7200
Date: 15/10/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Sport and Recreation
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:56:50 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132622 Sport and recreation programs to divert kids from Northbridge http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132617 Content:

Sport and recreation programs will play an important role in the State Government’s plan to tackle anti-social behaviour in Northbridge.

 

One of the issues identified as a problem in Northbridge is the number of young children roaming the streets late at night unaccompanied by responsible adults.

 

The Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) will work together with other government and non-government agencies to provide alternative activities for children on Friday and Saturday nights.

 

“Many of the kids that visit Northbridge at night on the weekend are only 12 and 13. It is an adult precinct and they simply should not be there unaccompanied,” Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said.

 

“Let me be clear that providing a sport and recreation program on Friday and Saturday night will not solve all the social problems behind this problem, but we will be providing fun, safe and healthy alternatives.

 

“Sport can be a really effective method of engaging young people and, once engaged, they can be provided with other learning opportunities.

 

“Great examples of this are the Midnight Basketball tournaments that have been running in Geraldton and Midland, and in the near future, Kwinana.

 

“At these tournaments the kids are attracted by the fun of basketball, but part of the deal is that they also attend a variety of seminars where they learn important life skills.

 

“Initially we will be piloting projects in Midland and Armadale because police and Mission Australia statistics tell us these areas are where many of the kids we are targeting come from.”

 

DSR has already held meetings with community representatives in Midland and Armadale to assess what activities and resources already exist.

 

“It is important that the community drives these projects because they understand what will attract the children and, in the long run, it will be community support that will make this sustainable,” the Minister said.

 

“We will be investing in each area to support activities on Friday and Saturday nights, and this investment will be allocated in consultation with the community.”

 

To support this initiative DSR is also working on related projects to:

 

  • Link youth at risk and their families with local sport clubs. This may include a one-on-one mentoring program
  • Use DSR recreation camps to provide camps-based program opportunities with integrated recreational activities and leadership and life skills training
  • Collaborate with Juvenile Justice teams to offer sport and recreation volunteer activities such as officiating and administration as alternatives to current community service activities such as cleaning graffiti.

“These are great examples of how sport and recreation can help build stronger, healthier, happier and safer communities,” Mr Waldron said.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7200
Date: 14/10/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Sport and Recreation
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:36:52 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132617 Greater access to water catchments to be explored http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132494 Content:

A Parliamentary committee will examine allowing greater recreation access to dams, water courses and catchment areas that provide drinking water for Western Australians.

 

Water Minister Graham Jacobs and Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron jointly announced the State Government’s decision to refer the issue to the Legislative Council’s Public Administration standing committee.

 

“Water is our most precious resource and this Government will continue to ensure that Western Australians have access to safe, secure and reliable water sources,” Dr Jacobs said.

 

“What we want to do is allow some recreational and sports activities to take place in these areas. 

 

“The question we want the standing committee to answer is, how much should be allowed without jeopardising our drinking water?”

 

Mr Waldron said some activities were possible on dams and water courses as well as in catchment areas.  These could include water skiing, sailing, fishing, kayaking, bushwalking, motorbike riding and horse riding where appropriate.

 

“While looking to allow more sport and recreation in catchments areas, we need to know how much is acceptable and how we can implement measures to ensure we have quality water for the future,” Mr Waldron said.

 

The Ministers said they would ask the standing committee to make recommendations to them and the State Government as part of a statutory review of Policy 13, which governs public access to drinking water catchment areas.

 

The committee would be asked to make its recommendations by the end of July 2010.

 

Water Minister’s office:  9213 6900

Sport and Recreation Minister’s office: 9213 7200
Date: 16/09/2009
Minister: Jacobs;Waldron
Portfolio: Water;Sport and Recreation
Region: All
]]> Arbouin, Shane Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:16:57 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132494 CCI, UnionsWA and State Government unite for employee health http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132421 Content:

The State Government, Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) and UnionsWA have united to encourage business and industry to support healthy active Western Australian employees.

 

The Healthy Active Workplace policy outlines a framework and vision to achieve a co-ordinated approach to a healthier, more active workforce in WA.

 

Today’s launch of the Healthy Active Workplace policy will see Government and industry working together to meet these ends.

 

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said workplaces were an important setting for health promotion and strong evidence supported investment in healthy active workplace programs.

 

“Today’s working environment can contribute to inactive lifestyles and high levels of stress, which impacts on employees’ health and increases costs to the business sector through loss of productivity and absenteeism,” Mr Waldron said.

 

“Creating a workplace culture supporting and enhancing the health and wellbeing of Western Australians is a priority to provide health, social and economic benefits across the State.

 

“This co-ordinated approach highlights the importance of this issue for all unions, members of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the State Government.”

 

In signing to the policy, the three bodies agreed to:

  • Endorsing and supporting the implementation of best-practice workplace health and wellbeing programs
  • Making guidelines available to public, private and not-for-profit organisations on how to implement a best practice program
  • Implementing supportive policy to strengthen action across all sectors
  • Offering centralised support to all agencies to develop their existing or new health and wellbeing programs.

World Health Organisation research showed workplace health programs could reduce sick leave by up to 30 per cent and increase productivity by up to 53 per cent.

 

Within Western Australia, a one per cent increase in employee involvement in workplace programs would save about $4.5million.

 

Healthy Active Workplaces is a key initiative of the Physical Activity Taskforce and will be delivered in partnership with the Department of Sport and Recreation which will offer State-wide training and support in implementing health and wellbeing programs.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7200
Date: 1/09/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Sport and Recreation
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 01 Sep 2009 03:37:15 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132421 Funding boost for South West Academy of Sport http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132393 Content:

South-West teenagers striving for excellence in sport will benefit from a $136,000 grant from the Liberal-National Government.

 

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron today announced funding for the South West Academy of Sport through the Royalties for Regions program.

 

“The South West Academy of Sport is the first regional sports academy in Western Australia,” Mr Waldron said.

 

“It is an excellent initiative that has helped to transform sport in the region by establishing high performance training programs in the South-West.

 

“Because of its Australian Rules football, soccer, hockey, basketball and individual scholarship programs, athletes have been able to hone their skills and compete on State, national and international stages.”

 

The Minister said recent success stories include representation of the academy’s athletes at the Junior World Rowing Championships in France, Under 16 Australian Junior Basketball Championships in Tasmania and numerous School Sport Australia competitions.

 

“The academy is playing an important role in the talent development of young sports men and women in the South-West region and I am pleased to announce funding towards its ongoing operation,” he said.

 

“There are exciting times ahead for the academy, including an awards night in December at which the inaugural athlete of the year will be named.”

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7200
Date: 25/08/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Sport and Recreation
Region: South West
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:45:05 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132393 Athlete Development Centre launched at Central TAFE. http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132318 Content:

Aspiring sports coaches will have the opportunity to work alongside some of Western Australia’s sporting greats in a new program launched today by Training Minister Peter Collier and Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron.

 

Central TAFE’s Athlete Development Centre is the first of its kind in WA, where a TAFE college has teamed up with premier sporting organisations to offer a training program at the highest level.

 

“Central TAFE, West Coast Eagles, WA Football Commission, Football West and Rugby WA will combine academic qualifications with specialised training from players and coaches,” Mr Collier said.

 

“Students are enrolled in Central TAFE’s Certificate IV in Sport Development, which provides them with the practical skills and knowledge to develop coordinate, coach and officiate in a wide range of sports.”

 

Mr Waldron said they would develop skills in sports science, sport psychology, nutrition and planning, while also conducting training programs.

 

“Students will be exposed to the great range of careers in the sporting world - from coaching and sports management to physiotherapy, nutrition, sports science, umpiring and sports first aid,” he said.

 

“In addition to the academic program, students have a chance to hone their skills and receive coaching from professionals at the highest level.”

 

Mr Collier also announced a new Athlete Development Centre Student of the Year Award for the student who shows the greatest commitment in combining academic achievement with sporting excellence.

 

“This will be presented at the end of Term 3 to the student who has shown commitment and achievement with sporting excellence,” the Minister said.

 

Mr Collier said the Government was committed to ensuring Western Australians had access to a world-class training system that was innovative and flexible.

 

He said the Government had introduced a raft of initiatives to boost training throughout the State.

 

“Training WA: Planning for the future 2009-2018, outlines a series of targeted initiatives to ensure the skills needs of industry are met as well as providing greater access to training,” the Minister said.

 

“A $47.4million added investment over the next three years in training was also announced in the May Budget.”

 

Training Minister's office - 9213 7150

Sport and Recreation Minister’s office - 9213 7200

Date: 5/08/2009
Minister: Collier;Waldron
Portfolio: Training ;Sport and Recreation
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 05 Aug 2009 02:25:14 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132318 Government delivers Stage 2 of leisure and aquatic centre funding http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132128 Content:

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron today announced the State Government would allocate $3million of its $8million election commitment to Albany towards the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre (ALAC) Stage 2 project.

 

The allocation enables the City of Albany to secure $2.9million in Federal funding being offered towards the project.

 

“I am proud to announce that the State Government will put part of its election commitment to Albany towards the leisure centre upgrades, allowing Albany to take advantage of the Federal funding it has so wonderfully secured,” Mr Waldron said.

 

“The Liberal-National Government is about progress, not just promises.”

 

The ALAC Stage 2 project involves the construction of three new indoor netball-basketball courts, designed to host grassroots-level sports up to international standard competitions, as well as community-based events.

 

“The project will result in a good outcome for the Albany community and benefit numerous sporting and community groups which use the facility,” the Minister said.

 

“The Government believes this is a sound investment for the region as the project will encourage greater participation in physical activity.  Research shows this makes people happier and healthier, and communities stronger and safer in the process.

 

“In fact, this project is anticipated to increase visitations at the centre, and therefore community participation in physical activity, by 60,000 visits in the first year and an additional 140,000 visits per year after five years.”

 

The Minister said the upgrades would help to ease pressure on existing facilities, which were struggling to meet the needs of the growing Albany population.

 

“I am delighted that the State Government has been given this opportunity to deliver very quickly on part of its election promise to the people of Albany, who will soon be enjoying the benefits of this investment as a result,” he said.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7200
Date: 29/06/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Sport and Recreation
Region: Great Southern
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:59:11 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132128 Kicking a goal with community participation http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132042 Content:

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron has called for community sporting clubs, schools and not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding for sport and recreation projects targeting low participation groups.

 

Mr Waldron said the new Community Participation Funding available through the Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) provides grants between $1,000 and $5,000 for community projects that target low participation groups.

 

“The funding particularly targets culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) and indigenous populations, which can be vulnerable to social and structural disconnection,” he said.

 

The Minister said participation in sport and recreation had been shown to have a range of positive effects in communities, including specific benefits for people from CaLD and indigenous backgrounds.

 

“Participation in sport and recreation provides increased opportunities to connect with the wider community and includes people in a rewarding shared experience, making both them and their communities stronger in the process,” Mr Waldron said.

 

To be eligible for the funding, projects must:

·        increase participation in physical activity; and/or

·        enhance the development of sport and recreation personnel.

 

Applications are open all year round, and anyone who has ever been put off applying for grants because of the paperwork involved is encouraged to check out the short and easy application form.


The full application package is available from your local DSR office or online at http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7200
Date: 11/06/2009
Minister: Waldron
Portfolio: Sport and Recreation
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Kimberley;Mid West;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Peel;Pilbara;South Eastern Suburbs;South West;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Wheatbelt
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 11 Jun 2009 06:39:23 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132042