$8.56 million of new facilities open at Sounness Park

The third and final stage of the Sounness Park Community Recreation Development project is now complete, with the official opening held today at 3pm.

 

Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash said the Australian Government invested more than $1 million towards the overall project under the Community Development Grants Programme.

“The programme is providing almost $350 million nationally to infrastructure projects that promote stable, secure and viable local and regional economies,” Minister Nash said.

 

Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson said the project has been completed in three stages to redevelop amenities and build new facilities.

 

“The completed project provides Mount Barker with an exciting venue to draw in regional sport providing a welcomed economic boost to the region,” Mr Wilson said.

 

“Works for stage two and three involved the construction of a cricket and football oval and the construction of a synthetic hockey field to meet state competition standards.”

 

Western Australian Minister for Regional Development Terry Redman said the new development provides modern facilities to house six community sport and recreation organisations in the Great Southern Region.

“Sport and recreation plays a significant role in a community’s liveability and helps local communities reach their sporting potential,” Mr Redman said.

 

President of Shire of Plantagenet Ken Clements said he was delighted to partner with all levels of government and the community to provide a great venue for Mount Barker.

 

“Sounness Park is a first-class facility that has attracted greater participation in sports within our community, with increased memberships already being recorded,” Cr Clements said.

 

“The completion of stages two and three of the Sounness Park Recreation Development brings together all the major ball sports in one facility. This will help the sporting clubs share resources, volunteers and skills to ensure the sustainability of sport in our community.”

 

“Sounness Park recently held a sold-out AFL preseason match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Adelaide Crows, which would not have been possible without the upgrade.”

 

Stages two and three of the Sounness Park Recreation Development project were jointly funded, with the Australia Government investing more than $1 million, the Western Australian Government $200,000, Royalties for Regions $593,798 and the Shire of Plantagenet $388,830.