Libs pledge $12.8m for sports hub

In their latest election commitment, the WA Liberal Party announced it would invest $12.8m from the Royalties for Regions fund to develop and expand Bunbury’s sporting facilities. The party will invest $12m into the South West Sports Centre, which in conjunction with investment from the Bunbury City Council, will allow the council to develop a facility of national standard. The remaining $800,000 will be invested in the Bunbury Hockey Club, allowing the club to build new LED lighting on one of its ovals, also at Hay Park. “The reason we are making such a significant investment in Bunbury is because the Liberal Party wants to ensure it has the standard of facilities that it deserves to attract more top level sports to the area,” shadow minister for agriculture and regional development Steve Thomas said. “The Liberals have a vision for Bunbury that includes making it the regional sports capital of the State.” Liberal candidate for Bunbury, Matt Foreman said a rebuilt sports centre would serve as a drawcard to the region. “I have a plan that sees Bunbury as the sports capital of not just the South West but of the whole of regional WA,” Mr Foreman said. “I have been involved in the Bunbury sporting community for 13 years and we know court space is a problem. “The Liberal Party will fix this and deliver a premium facility for Bunbury to host the teams like NBL champions, the Perth Wildcats and West Coast Fever, bringing elite-level sport to Bunbury.” The investment is expected to deliver new change rooms, three new basketball courts, a premium court capable of hosting national teams and a multipurpose hall for all sports including badminton, hockey, volleyball and futsal. During his visit to Bunbury last month, WA Premier Mark McGowan pledged to commit $8m to build additional indoor multi-use courts at Bunbury’s South West Sports Centre.