Sport & Recreation

The Nationals WA have announced a landmark $40.4 million commitment to develop the Keirnan Park Recreation Precinct – Stage 1C, a project that will address the critical shortage of sporting infrastructure in the rapidly growing Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale.

This transformative project will feature 15 netball and multi-use courts, including undercover courts, a modern pavilion with changerooms, associated amenities, and lighting.

Leader of the Opposition and Nationals WA Leader Shane Love MLA said the precinct will become a premier destination for sport and recreation in the outer metropolitan and Peel regions.

“This project is designed with a long-term vision, designed to meet current and future needs, and demonstrating the Nationals’ commitment to addressing the inequity in funding for outer metropolitan and regional communities.

“Despite being one of the fastest-growing areas in the state, this outer metropolitan community of Darling Range have been completely ignored by Labor.

“The Nationals WA are the only party stepping up to deliver the investment that meets the needs of families and local sporting groups, now and into the future” Mr. Love said.

Mr. Love commended Nationals WA Candidate for Darling Range, Morgan Byas, for his strong advocacy for the Keirnan Park Recreation Precinct and his commitment to the community.

“Morgan understands the importance of ensuring this project delivers for the families of Darling Range. He is a passionate voice for his community, and projects like this highlight his, and the Nationals’, commitment to delivering real, meaningful outcomes,” Mr. Love said.

Morgan Byas, Nationals WA Candidate for Darling Range and Spokesperson for Mental Health, highlighted the broader mental health, social, and physical benefits of the development.

“This isn’t just about building courts – it’s about creating a vibrant hub for sport and recreation that brings people together, keeps kids active, and promotes both physical and mental wellbeing.

“Netball will be at the heart of this facility, providing exceptional opportunities for players of all ages while ensuring there is space for other sports and community activities,” Mr. Byas said.

The Keirnan Park Recreation Precinct will feature facilities designed to meet competition standards, supporting netball as a cornerstone of the precinct. Multi-use courts will also be available for basketball and other sports, including the rapidly growing sport of pickleball.

“Netball is one of the fastest-growing sports in our community, and this project ensures players have access to facilities that reflect the importance of the sport while also providing for future growth.

“This precinct will support youth development, social connection, and physical activity for decades to come,” Mr. Byas said.

With the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale’s population projected to grow by 140 percent by 2046, the Keirnan Park Recreation Precinct – Stage 1C is designed to meet the community’s long-term needs.

By incorporating multi-use infrastructure, the facility will ensure families across the Shire have access to the modern sporting and recreational facilities they deserve.

“This is about building stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.” Mr. Byas said.

“The Nationals WA are proud to invest in projects like this, which deliver lasting benefits for local families and create opportunities for everyone to thrive.”

The Nationals WA have pledged to double investment in the Community Sporting and Recreation
Facilities Fund (CSRFF) from $20 million to $40 million per year, delivering a much-needed lifeline to
local sporting clubs and facilities across Western Australia.

Deputy Leader and Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation, Peter Rundle MLA, said the $80 million
funding boost over the next four years would address years of neglect by the Cook Labor Government.

“For far too long, WA’s sporting clubs have been left to struggle with outdated and inadequate facilities
because Labor’s investment hasn’t kept pace with rising costs,” Mr Rundle said.

“The current $20 million annual CSRFF budget allocation, set by the Cook Government, is simply not
enough to meet the growing demand for infrastructure upgrades. Remarkably, this is just a $5 million
increase since 1992, failing to account for decades of inflation in construction, labour and materials.”

Mr Rundle said The Nationals WA would ensure at least 50 per cent of CSRFF is directed to regional
projects, where clubs often face the greatest challenges.

“Regional communities have been ignored by Labor for far too long, and their facilities are deteriorating
as a result,” Mr Rundle said.

“Sporting clubs are the heart of our communities – they bring people together, improve health, create
jobs, and even reduce crime rates. Yet these clubs are forced to rely on volunteers and fundraising just to
maintain basic facilities.”

The Nationals WA will also streamline the cumbersome and time-consuming application process, which
Mr Rundle said has been a barrier for many volunteer-run clubs.

“Our local sporting clubs are run by hardworking volunteers who don’t have the time or resources to
spend months navigating Labor’s overly complex funding applications,” Mr Rundle said.

“We’ll make it easier, faster, and fairer for clubs to access funding, so they can focus on what matters –
supporting their communities.”

In addition to the $80 million funding boost, The Nationals WA will develop a 10-year sporting plan for
every region, strategically guiding investment in sports infrastructure.

“Catchment areas for regional sports are often vast, covering multiple local government areas. A long-term plan will ensure facilities are located, funded, and managed in a way that best supports regional needs,” Mr Rundle said.

“The plan will guide decisions on regional sporting infrastructure needs and locations, land use and
operational responsibilities, community infrastructure plans and long-term investment priorities.

“Under The Nationals WA, we’ll rebuild and revitalise community and regional sports across the State,
delivering facilities that empower clubs and bring communities together,” he said.