Precinct funds released

EXCLUSIVE

The State Government is set to today come to the party and provide the City of Albany with the remaining funding promised three years ago for the Centennial Park sporting precinct redevelopment.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman will visit the precinct and honour the 2013 election commitment and announce the remaining $5.75 million in funding will be provided in the 2016-17 State Budget.

The Government confirmed $3 million of the pledged $8.75 million in November after public pressure from Mayor Dennis Wellington and Member for Albany and shadow sport and recreation minister Peter Watson, who questioned the status of the funding.

Albany City Council last year chose to halt construction of the western precinct of the project due to the funding being placed “under consideration” until the November commitment.

Opposition Leader Mark McGowan last week attacked the State Government over its tardy handling of the pledged funding labelling it a “broken promise”.

Mr Redman said the remaining funding would come through the State’s Royalties for Regions program.

“The funding enables the City of Albany to complete the $27 million redevelopment of the eastern precinct of the Centennial Park sporting complex,” he said.

“This includes the construction of the new Australian Rules football ground with a new playing surface, match standard floodlighting, clubrooms with function facilities, meeting rooms and elevated viewing areas.

“The precinct will provide outstanding sporting and event facilities for the Great Southern region.

“We want to encourage visitors to Albany and attract people that want to stay permanently. This can only be achieved if the community has facilities to enable them to pursue a vibrant and enjoyable lifestyle.”