Official opening of Gt Southern Regional Sports House in Albany

2/10/98

Sport and Recreation Minister Norman Moore today launched a new community sports facility and said it was one of the most exciting concepts in the area of sport and recreation.

Mr Moore was speaking at the official opening of the Great Southern Regional Sports House in Stirling Terrace, Albany.

He said it had immense potential because it was based very firmly on the philosophy of shared community resources and co-operation between sporting groups.

Its benefits could already be seen in Albany.

Programs were on line for the Coaching Foundation and the Over 50s Recreation Association, and for the development of football, cricket, basketball and soccer.

Negotiations were under way to bring hockey and aquatic sports into what would clearly become a multi-sport secretariat supporting numerous community groups.

The Sports House concept also gave improved access to the expertise of Ministry of Sport and Recreation professionals.

There also was access to such facilities as well-equipped office premises, with advanced computer technology and information resources.

Mr Moore said this philosophy was crucial for the development of country sport and recreation.

"And, as we move towards Sydney 2000, the role of the Sports House in the development of Australian sport should not be underestimated," he said.

"The pressure is not only on our elite athletes, but also on their support networks - sporting organisations, sports industry professionals and volunteers.

"The Sports House concept, with State and regional sporting associations working in partnership to achieve greater efficiency, goes a long way towards maximising use of the limited funds available for sport and recreation development at all levels of competence."

Mr Moore said the State Government was also mindful of its obligations to the general community.

"That is why the Government committed $450,000 in 1998-99 through the Sports Lottery Country Package scheme - money which funds sport development plans and helps build the infrastructure sports need to flourish," he said.

"I have also recently announced a further $135,000 in State-wide support of the Sports Club Development Scheme, a large slice of which goes to regional clubs and helps fund grass roots sports clubs.

"The Government also is making available $150,000 a year to support sport in regional Western Australia through the Country Sport Enrichment Scheme.

"This is aimed at bringing top-class sport to the country - and we are already seeing the benefits of that with the Perth Glory playing games against Canberra Cosmos in Bunbury and against Carlton in Geraldton and the Western Warriors playing the South Australian Redbacks in a one-day match in Kalgoorlie-Boulder."

Mr Moore said the Great Southern facility joined a Sports House network which included Esperance, Kalgoorlie and Geraldton.

Media contact: Hartley Joynt, Minister's office, 08 9 321 1444