$300,000 cheque for Bridgetown rec centre

6/6/02
South-West Minister Jim McGinty today presented a $300,000 cheque to the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes as first instalment of a $500,000 commitment towards construction of the long-awaited Bridgetown-Greenbushes Recreation Centre.
The $500,000 is in addition to a $777,000 Government grant approved in 1999 under the Community Sport and Recreation Facilities Fund.
Construction of the centre, which has been 12 years in the planning, will commence immediately.
Mr McGinty said the additional funding was a 'top up' to assist local community fund-raising and a real recognition by the Government of the special needs of Bridgetown-Greenbushes.
"Under the Protecting Old Growth Forest Strategy, the Government is committed both to assisting the Warren Blackwood develop new industries and also improving social and community facilities," he said.
"This is a very important project which benefits everyone from local youth to seniors.
"There is no doubt it's been a long wait. Some people have grown from teenagers into parents with their own children in the course of the planning phase. It's a spectacular example of perseverance, and I'm very pleased it has finally paid off."
Mr McGinty congratulated all those involved in development of the plans for the centre.
"The design, using local materials, will ensure the centre is an outstanding venue for sport and recreation while also complementing the unique character of Bridgetown-Greenbushes. It is a credit to all involved," he said.
The centre will be completed in late 2002.
Minister's office: 9220 5000