Work progressing on Karratha 20:20 Community Plan

Over $170 million is currently being invested in the transformation of the town of Karratha, in the booming Pilbara mining region, into a hub that will offer lifestyle, infrastructure and services to enhance the towns liveability.

Features of the Karratha 20:20 Vision and Community Plan include the development of a $58 million leisure and learning hub; $3 million for the upgrade of reserves and playgrounds, $5 million for youth spaces, a $5 million family centre as well as a hospital upgrade, superclinic, town revitalisation programme, investment in two Primary schools, an airport upgrade, and an underground power and water waste system.

An important aspect of the developments has been the community consultation and participation to foster ownership of the project plan.

Identified by local and regional leaders as a key project for the region, the Karratha Leisure Complex (leisure and learning hub) is designed to improve liveability and help create a diverse and vibrant permanent community.

The complex will host an aquatic centre, two outdoor playing fields with clubhouse, indoor and outdoor sports courts, fitness centre, cafe, commercial office space, meeting facilities, function room and commercial kitchen.

It will also feature a number of public artworks that celebrate the identity and culture of the Pilbara region - a reflection of how art, along with sport, contributes to the life and culture of regional Australia.

Located on a shared site with Pilbara TAFE and Karratha Senior High School, the Complex is being jointly funded by the Federal Government, through the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF); the Western Australian Government, the Shire of Roebourne and the Finbar Group Limited.

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 a major regional 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."

Construction of the the Karratha Leisure Complex is scheduled for completion in February 2013.

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

5th October 2011 - $15 MILLION FUNDING BOOST FOR KARRATHA LEISURE COMPLEX