Published on Tuesday, 27 June 2023 at 7:00:00 PM
Liveability and vibrancy have come out on top in the City of Greater Geraldton Budget 2023/24 with a big emphasis on sport, leisure and public open spaces.
Many of the community’s much-loved parks and play spaces will receive significant investment, and beautifying the suburbs will remain high on the agenda.
More than $1.8 million will go towards the City’s parks, gardens and open spaces, with a further $2.3 million on maintaining sporting facilities.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the community would reap the rewards of the newly adopted Budget.
“We continue to invest in our open spaces and leisure as it is what makes our community a great place to live,” he said.
“This is all about delivering for our community and we know how important it is to activate our suburbs and open spaces, to keep them safe, vibrant and a place that people can continue to enjoy!
“Given sport and recreation plays such a big role in the social fabric of our city, as well as adds to community wellbeing, we understand how important it is to maintain our sporting facilities.
“Our spend on sport, leisure, parks and open spaces is the highest investment in the last four years so we look forward to continuing our commitment to vibrancy and activation,” Mayor Van Styn added.
The Geraldton Aquarena and Mullewa’s Doc Docherty Pool are big winners in the Budget with a significant spend on both facilities.
More than $1.6 million will be invested in the Aquarena with the completion of the 50m outdoor pool, renewal of tiles, dive block fittings, lockers, lane ropes and pool plant equipment. Along with replacement of UV disinfection systems, fitness equipment and audio systems.
The Doc Docherty Pool is primed for significant upgrades including the renewal of the pool shell as well as replacement of the equipment shed and shade structures.
Other sporting infrastructure such as fencing and lighting will be upgraded at various grounds including the Mullewa Recreation Ground and La Fiamma in Wonthella.
The Geraldton Youth Centre will receive $100,000, which will see the old Rocky’s Gym transformed to a youth hub and will include the initial fit out and refurbishments.
More than $750,000 will be spent on enhancing open spaces with revegetation and landscaping, playground renewals and irrigation during the financial year as well as various parks in the suburbs and CBD receiving new shade sails, lighting and smart barbecues.
In a win for local water sport enthusiasts and boaties, restorative works to the Francis Street boat ramps as well as the jetty will be undertaken.
To view the full Budget 2023/24, please click here.
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