$15 million funding boost for Karratha Leisure Complex

The Federal Government has agreed to contribute $15 million towards funding of the Karratha Leisure Complex.

The funding, from Australian Government's Regional Development Australia Fund, will augment existing commitments for the $65 million project from the Western Australian Government's Royalties for Regions program, the WA Department for Education, the Finbar Group and the Shire of Roebourne.

Set to become the Pilbara regions's premier indoor sport and aquatic centre will incorporate a resort-style aquatic precinct with a children's splash playground and three swimming pools.

Multi-purpose sports venues with playing fields and clubhouses; indoor and outdoor courts; and a fully-equipped fitness centre with indoor children's playground also feature as part of the development.

Located on a shared site with Pilbara TAFE and Karratha Senior High School, the complex will also feature a fully-equipped fitness centre with cr�che, an indoor children's playground, cafes, function and meeting rooms and letable office space.

During an emergency, such as a tropical cyclone, it will also double as a welfare and evacuation centre and provide much-needed refuge to potentially hundreds of local residents.

Roebourne Shire Council President Nicole Lockwood said the Karratha Leisure Complex was the "first of its kind" in the Pilbara and that the development marks a significant step forward in Karratha's transformation from mining town to major Australian city.

Councillor Lockwood explained that "development of the Karratha Leisure Complex is a major boon not only for residents living in the Shire of Roebourne but the entire region.

"By 2013 I would expect the Karratha Leisure Complex will be playing host to regional sporting championships, attracting visitors from outlying communities while providing vastly improved lifestyle options on a day-to-day basis for locals.

"The Shire of Roebourne is looking forward to delivering on this highly anticipated community project."

The project is currently nearing the end of a seven month design and development process will follow, with community sign off on final concepts scheduled for November. Construction is scheduled for completion in February 2013.

The Karratha Leisure Complex is one of six strategic community wellbeing projects, identified in the Karratha City of the North Plan, which will deliver immediate improvements to public amenity and lifestyle options for local residents. Other projects include the Cattrall Park Redevelopment, Bulgarra Sporting Precinct, Bulgarra Community Centre, the Karratha Youth and Family Centre and the Baynton West Family Centre.

For more information go to www.roebourne.wa.gov.au/leisure_complex_project.aspx