The State Government has announced grants totalling more than half a million dollars to construct and upgrade sport and recreation facilities in the Kimberley over three years.
North-West Minister and Kimberley MLA Ernie Bridge said the funds would provide an enormous boost to local communities.
"Sport and recreation activities are an important part of our Kimberley lifestyle, and it is essential that good facilities are available, particularly in remote areas," he said.
"The wide range of projects approved for funding assistance will not only provide new facilities for local residents, but also important job opportunities for local firms and workers."
The grants include:
· $78,700 to the Shire of Halls Creek to help upgrade town sport facilities;
· $8,400 to Halls Creek Mini Stampede Inc for fencing horse yards and paddocks;
· $300,000 to the Shire of Broome towards construction of a swimming pool and ancillary facilities;
· $77,000 to the Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation towards construction of an enclosed sports centre;
· $20,000 to the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley towards the cost of providing a surface coat to a new netball court in Derby;
· $15,000 to the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley towards the cost of reticulating the Fitzroy Crossing oval;
· $4,000 to the Derby Gun Club for additions to the rifle range;
· $7,400 to Wyndham Golf Club towards provision of power and clubhouse extensions;
· $15,000 to Kununurra Speedway Inc towards installation of a new track lighting system; and
· $33,000 to the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley towards construction of a shade cover for the main pool at Kununurra.
Mr Bridge said more than 300 organisations throughout the State were allocated funds to build or improve sport and recreation facilities under the three-year program, with more than 60 per cent of the total funds allocated to country areas.
He said local communities and organisations had applied for the grants on the basis of a State Government contribution of approximately one third of the total cost.
