Funding boost brings sports hub closer to construction

Excitement for the Dunsborough Lakes Sporting Precinct was stirred in the Capes this week after a funding announcement from the State Government.

The sporting hub is finally set to become reality with $750,000 committed by the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund.

The announcement comes just four months after a $1.175 million bid to the WA Government from the Busselton City Council to bring forward the priority one precinct.

Vasse MLA Libby Mettam is delighted with the support.

“I met with the minister to reinforce the importance of this sporting infrastructure for the Dunsborough community which has seen record growth, resulting in increased pressures on junior sports,” she said.

“Participation in the Dunsborough sub-district has increased on average by over 200 per cent since the upgrade of the Dunsborough Playing Fields, illustrating the connection between infrastructure investment and fantastic sporting outcomes.”

The Dunsborough Lakes Sports Precinct will include four rectangular fields, two cricket fields and four multi-purpose outdoor courts in stage one, planned for construction in this financial year.

Future stages include the construction of a pavilion, change rooms, and an indoor court.

At the time of the $1.175m bid, Busselton mayor Grant Henley said a strategy plan adopted this year highlighted a need for more public open space for activities including soccer, football and netball. Dunsborough Football Club president Mark Delane said the existing facilities placed 20 teams to one oval.

“Funding of $750,000 is very good news for the town and for the kids. To be able to have more open space to meet the demand is very exciting,” he said.

“This funding gives the project that little boost and really firms up the process to get construction moving along.”