The turning of the first sod of soil today will mark the beginning of a $10 million upgrade to Willetton Basketball Stadium.
The works will double the Willetton Basketball Association’s indoor courts from four to eight, increasing capacity and boosting community sport in the southern suburbs.
The courts and facilities, which will include new change rooms, storage rooms, toilets, administration and social areas, will be shared by local badminton and netball players.
The McGowan Government contributed $1.5 million to the project through the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund, while the Commonwealth Government provided
$5.5 million, and the City of Canning $2.2 million.
The Willetton Basketball Association will contribute up to $1 million for the works, which are expected to be completed by early 2020.
As noted by Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:
“When complete, these upgrades will open up new opportunities for sport in Perth’s southern and eastern suburbs – for basketball, netball and badminton.
“For several years, Willetton Basketball has had a long waiting list of young people wanting to play, but they have not been able to be accommodated due to a lack of playing space.
“The McGowan Government is committed to delivering quality grassroots sporting facilities, and we’re proud to have helped finally get this much-needed upgrade off the ground.”
As noted by Jandakot MLA Yaz Mubarakai:
“Basketball is a great team sport in that it allows young people to not only be physically and mentally active, but builds important teamwork and discipline skills that last a lifetime.
“It’s fantastic to see Willetton Basketball Association and all three tiers of government work together to meet the needs of the community in upgrading Willetton Basketball Stadium to a high-class facility.
“All of our homegrown basketball stars had to start from somewhere and it is development through strong local clubs like Willetton where they began their careers. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the local young people who train and play at Willetton Basketball Association.”
