Government delivers Stage 2 of leisure and aquatic centre funding

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron today announced the State Government would allocate $3million of its $8million election commitment to Albany towards the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre (ALAC) Stage 2 project.

The allocation enables the City of Albany to secure $2.9million in Federal funding being offered towards the project.

"I am proud to announce that the State Government will put part of its election commitment to Albany towards the leisure centre upgrades, allowing Albany to take advantage of the Federal funding it has so wonderfully secured," Mr Waldron said.

"The Liberal-National Government is about progress, not just promises."

The ALAC Stage 2 project involves the construction of three new indoor netball-basketball courts, designed to host grassroots-level sports up to international standard competitions, as well as community-based events.

"The project will result in a good outcome for the Albany community and benefit numerous sporting and community groups which use the facility," the Minister said.

"The Government believes this is a sound investment for the region as the project will encourage greater participation in physical activity.  Research shows this makes people happier and healthier, and communities stronger and safer in the process.

"In fact, this project is anticipated to increase visitations at the centre, and therefore community participation in physical activity, by 60,000 visits in the first year and an additional 140,000 visits per year after five years."

The Minister said the upgrades would help to ease pressure on existing facilities, which were struggling to meet the needs of the growing Albany population.

"I am delighted that the State Government has been given this opportunity to deliver very quickly on part of its election promise to the people of Albany, who will soon be enjoying the benefits of this investment as a result," he said.