SPLASH update

The City of Gosnells is reconsidering the proposed Sutherlands Park Leisure, Aquatic and Sports Hub (SPLASH) due to disappointing or non-existent support for the project from both the State and Federal Governments.

The state-of-the-art SPLASH concept featured an outdoor 50m pool, an indoor 25m pool, multi-sport indoor courts, gymnasium and more – delivering long-overdue recreational infrastructure for a diverse and growing community statistically at risk of drowning.

SPLASH was initially estimated to cost $132 million, with the City committing $66 million, and seeking contributions of $16 million from the State Government and $50 million from the Federal Government.

To date, the State Government has committed only $2 million, and the Federal Government has provided no funding. This lack of funding fails to acknowledge the City’s genuine and pressing need for such a facility.

Suggestions that an indoor pool could be constructed as the first stage of a scaled-down concept, at a cost of $35 million, are neither feasible nor cost effective. Comparisons between SPLASH and a renovated facility in a neighbouring local government area – redeveloped almost a decade ago and already operating as an aquatic facility – are also inaccurate and misleading.

In a strong show of community backing, more than 4,000 residents signed a letter of support for SPLASH during a campaign launched late last year. The City sincerely thanks the community for its incredible encouragement and advocacy.

The City is now carefully considering its next steps, committed to meeting the needs of its growing population by delivering vital life-changing and life-saving facilities, while minimising the financial impact on ratepayers.

Learn more about why SPLASH matters.