Peter Rundle calls for sports clubs to have their say as State Government to review facilities and funding

The State Government is reviewing how it funds sporting and community facilities, and local clubs and organisations should have their say, according to Member for Roe and shadow minister for sport and recreation Peter Rundle.

Facilities including the tennis clubs in Katanning and Tenterden, the Newdegate Bowling Club and the Dumbleyung swimming pool had all benefited from the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund, Mr Rundle said.

It’s that fund, along with the Club Night Lights Program and the facilities it has provided, that are being reviewed, and Mr Rundle says it’s important for local people to have their say.

The WA Government put the fund on hold in August 2024, then announced in May it was closing applications and planning a review.

Mr Rundle said it was vital for the process to get back on track.

“I would really like to see more money going into these funds and for them to get up and running again,” he said.

“The Government wants to see whether projects have succeeded or not, and I would say pretty much all these facilities have been a success and are valued.”

Mr Rundle said the suspension of funding had left many worthwhile projects in limbo.

“With funding paused for two years we now have a significant backlog of important projects waiting for support,” he said.

“Clubs and local governments have been left in uncertainty, delaying infrastructure upgrades that are badly needed across the State.”

One of the projects Mr Rundle said was most in need of approval was the sporting facilities at Narrogin’s Clayton Road Oval.

“It’s a facility in my electorate, and it’s not fit for purpose,” he said.

“These programs provide much-needed funding for new and upgraded sporting facilities that keep people active and connected, especially in our regions.”

The review will consider all aspects of the CSRFF and CNLP models, and Mr Rundle urged everyone to make their voice heard through the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport’s online consultation portal.

“This is an important opportunity for sporting clubs, volunteers and local governments to help shape these programs for the future,” he said.