Media Statements - Perry Lakes resumption plan paves way for new facilities

14/9/05

The Gallop Government will introduce legislation to fast-track the redevelopment of Perry Lakes to deliver much-needed new athletics, basketball and rugby facilities.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the Perry Lakes Redevelopment Bill 2005 would be presented to Parliament this week.

The legislation is designed to deliver three new facilities to replace the existing ageing and outmoded facilities at Perry Lakes.

Ms MacTiernan said the legislation would deliver:

the transfer of ownership of the Perry Lakes Stadium land and AK Reserve to the State Government;

construction on AK Reserve and adjoining land of replacement athletics, basketball and rugby facilities;

development and sale of Perry Lakes Stadium land, with the proceeds of the sale to fund the construction of the three sporting facilities, less the State’s contribution to upgrading the regional athletics facility to a State level; and

establishment of a trust for the benefit of all Cambridge residents, where surplus land development funds would be placed.

“The Town of Cambridge’s decision to scrap their advertised business plan, which involved a private partnership, left the Government with no choice but to prepare for the resumption of this land, to ensure these important sporting facilities are delivered,” the Minister said.

“This would always be a difficult project for local government - in this case, the level of disagreement on council about this project was likely to make it even more challenging.

“This project has been limping along since discussions began in 1998 - we are seeking the Parliament’s support to get on with it once and for all.

“Cambridge ratepayers can be assured that revenue gained from this development will be put in trust for their benefit and that all surplus sale proceeds and Perry Lakes land will be returned to the Town of Cambridge, in line with their original agreement with the State Government.

“LandCorp will take over the project’s management - liaising closely with the Town of Cambridge, the Department of Sport and Recreation and the WA Planning Commission.

“LandCorp will not be making any developer profit from the project.”

A maintenance fund will be established from the proceeds of land sales as a capped contribution to the upkeep of the athletics facility.

Rugby WA and Basketball WA have previously agreed with the Town of Cambridge to pay lease fees to meet the maintenance and upkeep of their respective facilities.

Ms MacTiernan said the project’s masterplan would be completed within 12 months and the aim would be for all facilities to be built by the end of 2008.

“We are reluctantly taking control of this project to get on with delivering quality sporting facilities for the wider community - facilities which are now long overdue,” she said.

“We are moving ahead with legislation only after the Government’s previous solutions and offers were either ignored or rejected by the Town of Cambridge.”

Sport and Recreation Minister Bob Kucera said the resumption plan would break an impasse on the provision of much-needed sporting facilities.

“Top-class sporting facilities underpin our unique WA lifestyle, and any further delays will seriously impact on the ability of our young athletes, basketball and rugby players to compete nationally and overseas,” Mr Kucera said.

“Today’s decision is a big step forward for the provision of improved facilities for WA’s basketball, athletics and rugby communities.”

Minister for Planning and Infrastructure's office: 9213 6400
Minister for Sport and Recreation's office: 9213 7000