Extra courts an option for SW sports centre

Bunbury Basketball Association has welcomed the formation of an advisory group to look at options for increasing the number of indoor courts at the South West Sports Centre.

The move came from Bunbury City Council in response to a motion received at its Annual Meeting of Electors last year.

Bunbury Basketball Association secretary Marina Quain put forward the motion, asking the council to investigate expanding the sports centre in a bid to increase multi-use courts.

While chairman David Wren presented a deputation to the council on Tuesday night saying the association supported a recommendation that additional courts be considered in a long-term strategy and consultation with stakeholders continued, the recommendation was voted down.

Instead, Cr Michelle Steck put forward an amended motion that a South West Sports Centre Advisory Group be developed to investigate opportunities and report back to the council for consideration.

“The internal process of engaging with stakeholders always is the preferred option, but it never always tends to work,” Cr Steck said.

“We need to jump on it straight away and this has been a problem that we’ve known about for several years.

“This particular committee will only be dealing with the South West Sports Centre and its users.”

Mr Wren told the South Western Times that the move was “totally unexpected” and he was “pleased” with the outcome.

“We have such a large membership base ... everybody fights for the same time slots at the sports centre, so something needs to be done,” Mr Wren said.

“We need to be part of that advisory committee and it will need to include other user groups as well.”

Mayor Gary Brennan said there was already significant consultation with stakeholders, but the new group would formalise that engagement.

“It adds a bit of value and rigour to the process,” Mr Brennan said.