Western Australian Government Backs Rushton Park revamp

The Western Australian Government has kick-started the redevelopment of the Rushton Park Sporting Complex in Mandurah.

The $8.75 million project aims to deliver a multi-use sporting complex, including a new main grandstand incorporating playersâ and coachesâ facilities, change rooms, gymnasium, storage, first aid and conference facilities.

Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said the redevelopment of the venue's main stand would enable the facility to host a broad range of sporting and community events that would be a major boost to the region, stating "Rushton Park is already well known for its multiple sporting facilities and has produced some prodigious talent.

"The ability of the Rushton Park facility to cater for a diverse range of sport is highly regarded and this project greatly expands sporting and recreational opportunities in the Peel region.

"It is particularly pleasing to see the level of support provided through partnership with Federal, State, local governments and industry making this initiative truly a community facility."

The redevelopment also includes a new administration and management building and community meeting rooms to host media, coaches and VIPs. Community facilities have been modernised with a restaurant, membersâ lounge and bar included.

The project received $450,000 from Round 1 of the Peel Regional Grants Scheme and $1,373,000 from the Country Local Government Fund, both under the Western Australian Governmentâs Royalties for Regions program, which is improving regional Western Australiaâs economic and community infrastructure and services.

The project also incorporated $700,000 from the Western Australian Department of Sport and Recreationâs Community Sport and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF). The CSRFF provides funds for community sport and recreation infrastructure such as club rooms, tennis courts and lighting.

Significant funding has also been provided with $3.5 million from the Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; $450,000 from the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program; $1,544,000 from the City of Mandurah; $500,000 from the Australian Football League and $240,000 from tenant the Peel Thunder Football Club.

Rushton Park, the only country venue in the Western Australian Football League (and the smallest venue in the League), started life back in the 1960s and has been haphazardly extended over time. The venue is home to the Peel Thunder FC in the WAFL and the Mandurah Mustangs in the Peel Football League.

The 10,000 capacity oval also includes a youth centre's basketball court located below its secondary stand.

In September this year, Peel Thunder announced that the Bendigo Bank had signed a three year naming rights deal for the venue that will see it renamed Bendigo Bank Stadium.