2/12/05
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today welcomed the passing of the Perry Lakes Redevelopment Bill 2005, heralding the move as a major boost for sport and recreation in Western Australia and the resolution of a long-standing impasse over the future of Perry Lakes.
The legislation will deliver three new sporting facilities on AK Reserve to replace the dilapidated facilities at Perry Lakes on adjoining land, with residential land developed on the current Perry Lakes site - and will deliver a guaranteed return of at least $51.7million to the Town of Cambridge.
Ms MacTiernan said the passing of the Bill in the Upper House was an important decision for WA, providing modern sporting facilities for the State in the heart of the western suburbs.
“The project has been tossed around since 1997 and this decision today will now provide a clear path forward,” she said.
“The Town of Cambridge’s decision to abandon their advertised business plan in May 2005 - two years into the process and their refusal to negotiate an alternative with the State Government - left us no choice but to intervene and ensure these facilities would be delivered.”
New Sport and Recreation Minister John Bowler welcomed the decision and said it was a fantastic outcome for sport and recreation in WA.
“We can now begin the exciting work of developing new facilities for athletics, rugby and basketball,” Mr Bowler said.
“When finished, these three new projects will add to existing facilities at Challenge Stadium and McGillivray Oval, creating a world-class sporting precinct.
“Built for the 1962 Commonwealth Games, the ageing Perry Lakes Stadium will be replaced by a new athletics facility at AK Reserve.”
Under the legislation, LandCorp will undertake the development of the residential land on the current Perry Lakes site with the Departments of Sport and Recreation and Housing and Works responsible for the sporting facilities on the AK Reserve site.
“It is important to note that LandCorp will not be making any developer profit from the project,” Ms MacTiernan said.
“All profits will go to a trust fund for the benefit of the Town of Cambridge.
“The ownership of the Perry Lakes land and AK Reserve will be transferred to the State Government with a trust fund established where surplus development funds would be placed for the Town of Cambridge.”
The Minister also highlighted the incorporation of sustainability principles into the development at AK Reserve and Perry Lakes land would be integral to the success of the project.
“In line with Government policy, energy and water savings will be a major feature in the development of the land,” Ms MacTiernan said.
There will also be an extensive community consultation process undertaken on all aspects of the new Perry Lakes development.
The new facilities are due to be completed by the end of 2007, with the residential development starting in 2008.
Minister for Planning and Infrastructure's office: 9213 6400
Minister for Sport and Recreation's office: 9213 6500
