Major Community Project Faces Funding Crisis
The ambitious $132 million Sutherlands Park Leisure, Aquatic and Sports Hub in Gosnells has been left in limbo due to a significant funding shortfall, creating uncertainty for the rapidly growing community.
The City of Gosnells has been actively lobbying for financial support over the past year, committing $66 million from its own reserves while seeking $16 million from the State Government and $50 million from Federal sources. However, with only $2 million secured from the State Government to date, the project has effectively ground to a halt.
What SPLASH Would Deliver
The proposed SPLASH facility promises to transform recreational opportunities in the area with an impressive array of amenities. The comprehensive development would feature:
- An eight-lane outdoor 50m pool
- Indoor leisure and learn-to-swim pools
- Spa, steam room and sauna facilities
- Modern gymnasium and creche
- Cafe and community spaces
This comes as a much-needed upgrade for the community, which currently relies solely on Leisure World in Thornlie - a single 25m pool facility that opened in the early 1990s and now serves approximately 400,000 visitors annually.
Political Concerns and Community Impact
Gosnells Mayor Terresa Lynes expressed deep disappointment with the funding situation, suggesting that the area's status as a safe Labor seat at both State and Federal levels might be contributing to the lack of financial support.
"The city of Gosnells is disappointed by the very limited funding support from both governments," Ms Lynes told PerthNow. "Particularly given that many other local governments received significant funding commitments in recent elections."
The frustration is compounded by recent funding announcements for similar facilities elsewhere, including a $42 million aquatic centre in Ellenbrook and a $40 million facility in Alkimos.
With Gosnells' population expected to grow by approximately 40,000 residents over the next 20 years, the need for expanded aquatic and recreational facilities becomes increasingly urgent.
Staged Approach vs Complete Development
Local Southern River MLA Terry Healy has advocated for a staged construction approach, suggesting the city begin with the indoor pool component using available funding.
However, Mayor Lynes maintains that staged delivery is neither realistic nor financially viable. "The indoor aquatic component alone is estimated to cost more than $75 million," she explained, "which is beyond the city's $66 million commitment and the current $2 million State Government commitment."
The city believes that constructing SPLASH as a complete facility ensures better value and superior community outcomes, while a staged approach would result in higher overall costs and reduced efficiency.
Looking Forward
Despite the current impasse, Mayor Lynes remains hopeful that Gosnells will eventually receive support comparable to other local government areas.
"We continue to engage constructively with both governments and remain hopeful that, with shared commitment, we can deliver this important project for our region," she stated, while acknowledging that the entire proposal may need reconsideration if adequate funding doesn't materialise.
Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti confirmed the State Government's ongoing engagement with the project, noting their $186 million commitment to community sporting infrastructure at the 2025 State election.
The outcome of continued negotiations will determine whether Gosnells' 140,000 residents receive the modern aquatic and recreational facility they desperately need to keep pace with the area's rapid growth.
