Labor to commit $3 million towards new sporting facilities at Geraldton’s GBSC Sports Park if it wins election

Labor has promised to invest $3 million to upgrade a Geraldton sporting venue should they be re-elected in March in a bid to boost female participation in local sport.

The election pledge was announced on Wednesday, which would see new facilities and changerooms constructed at GBSC Sports Park in Spalding.

It would mean the clubs that use the oval, including Brigades Football Club, Olympic FC, Wanderers Cricket Club, as well as the Geraldton Touch Association, would all be able to access and use new and improved facilities.

Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton said the investment would help women and girls.

“I’ve been determined to secure this commitment for Geraldton and it shows Roger Cook and WA Labor are doing the right thing and delivering for our communities and the region,” she said.

“This investment is critical in eliminating any barriers when it comes to women in sports and ensuring we can boost participation and keep Geraldton women and girls engaged in their local sporting communities.

“It’s about bolstering our community spirit which is very much alive and strong in Geraldton and I’m so keen to deliver this with a re-elected Cook Labor Government.”

Labor previously committed to $30m to boost women and girls participation in sport as part of the election.

Labor Minister Paul Papalia was in Geraldton on Wednesday to make the announcement, saying it was part of the party’s commitment to boosting women’s sport.

“WA Labor’s women’s sport package builds on the work already undertaken by the Cook Labor Government to enhance women’s facilities and changerooms at community sporting clubs,” he said.

“What we’ve seen is that more women are playing sport in WA than ever before and I’m pleased Roger Cook and WA Labor have a plan and are investing in a women’s sport package.

“Lara Dalton has been championing for this investment into GBSC Sports Park and as the best advocate for Geraldton, it will be Lara Dalton and a re-elected Cook Labor Government who will deliver for the Geraldton community.”