CSRFF funding for Geraldton's new Aquatic Centre

3/12/99

Premier Richard Court said today that Geraldton's new $6.5 million Aquatic Centre demonstrated the success of the State Government's Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF).
The fund, which is administered by the Ministry of Sport and Recreation, had provided $52 million for capital works over the last five years.
Officially opening the new Aquatic Centre this evening, Mr Court said about 60 per cent of the CSRFF money had been allocated to projects in regional Western Australia.
Through the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund the State Government has contributed $1.75 million towards the centre, which is already attracting crowds exceeding expectations.
"I would like to pay tribute to the City of Geraldton and to the people of the area who together raised the balance of the funds for the project," Mr Court said.
"The centre will benefit the entire Mid-West region - replacing the well-used, but aging, pool complex built in 1972."
Redevelopment of the old complex started earlier this year and the new Aquarena is home for swimming, water polo, diving and other aquatic sports. It also has a hydrotherapy pool, water slides and a children's beach area.
"This new aquatic facility will hopefully build a flow of elite athletes in the aquatic disciplines," Mr Court said.
"But, equally, it will also provide much needed opportunities for people with disabilities, older citizens, fitness enthusiasts, recreational swimmers, educational institutions and other groups.
"The centre will be a community centre - and that is extremely appropriate given the role the community has played in securing it."
The Premier said that the State Government was proud of its Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund.
"To date the CSRFF program has resulted in buildings and facilities which have generated an economic benefit of about $400 million to WA," he said.
Media contact: Bronwyn Hillman 9222 9475