22/11/04
A new road at Arena Joondalup will provide ease of access and greater safety for school children.
Sport and Recreation Minister Bob Kucera opened the new access road from Moore Drive to Arena Joondalup today.
“The new road will also provide 400 more car parking bays to meet the fast-growing usage of the Arena,” Mr Kucera said.
“In the last five years, patronage has more than doubled to reach nearly 900,000 visits last financial year.
“But more importantly, the road will give students at the college greater safety and reduce road traffic on Joondalup Drive.”
The expansion of the Lake Joondalup Baptist College Campus has seen the number of students increase from 800 to 1,200 and led to severe traffic congestion at the Kennedya (OK) and Joondalup Drive intersection.
Joondalup MLA Tony O’Gorman said student safety had been a problem and he had campaigned vigorously within government to change the road pattern in the area.
“This is a win-win situation for the students and people who use the Arena,” Mr O’Gorman said.
The new access road to Moore Drive will greatly reduce congestion and enhance the safety to patrons, staff and the general public.
Entry and exit to the Arena for major sporting and entertainment events will also be improved.
The new road and 400-bay car park have been built at a cost of $840,000. The car park is located next to the Aquatic Centre and will double existing sealed car park capacity.
The project has been jointly funded with $300,000 from the Sport Centre Trust and $540,000 from the State Government.
Mr Kucera said the road could be constructed because the Gallop Government consistently managed balanced Budgets while the Opposition ran down the State’s finances and delivered five deficits.
The Minister said it was pleasing to see that the 12-week project was completed on time and on budget.
Mr O’Gorman announced at the opening that local children would be asked to name the road.
“We thought it would be appropriate to have young people suggest a name given they would be the major beneficiaries,” he said.
“The Wanneroo and Joondalup Times have agreed to run a competition asking children 12 years or under to give their suggestions for a name for the road. The winner will receive a pool party at Arena Joondalup for 10 children.”
The winner of the competition will be announced on the Thursday, December 9.
Minister's office: 9213 7000
