The Nationals WA have pledged to double investment in the Community Sporting and Recreation
Facilities Fund (CSRFF) from $20 million to $40 million per year, delivering a much-needed lifeline to
local sporting clubs and facilities across Western Australia.
Deputy Leader and Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation, Peter Rundle MLA, said the $80 million
funding boost over the next four years would address years of neglect by the Cook Labor Government.
“For far too long, WA’s sporting clubs have been left to struggle with outdated and inadequate facilities
because Labor’s investment hasn’t kept pace with rising costs,” Mr Rundle said.
“The current $20 million annual CSRFF budget allocation, set by the Cook Government, is simply not
enough to meet the growing demand for infrastructure upgrades. Remarkably, this is just a $5 million
increase since 1992, failing to account for decades of inflation in construction, labour and materials.”
Mr Rundle said The Nationals WA would ensure at least 50 per cent of CSRFF is directed to regional
projects, where clubs often face the greatest challenges.
“Regional communities have been ignored by Labor for far too long, and their facilities are deteriorating
as a result,” Mr Rundle said.
“Sporting clubs are the heart of our communities – they bring people together, improve health, create
jobs, and even reduce crime rates. Yet these clubs are forced to rely on volunteers and fundraising just to
maintain basic facilities.”
The Nationals WA will also streamline the cumbersome and time-consuming application process, which
Mr Rundle said has been a barrier for many volunteer-run clubs.
“Our local sporting clubs are run by hardworking volunteers who don’t have the time or resources to
spend months navigating Labor’s overly complex funding applications,” Mr Rundle said.
“We’ll make it easier, faster, and fairer for clubs to access funding, so they can focus on what matters –
supporting their communities.”
In addition to the $80 million funding boost, The Nationals WA will develop a 10-year sporting plan for
every region, strategically guiding investment in sports infrastructure.
“Catchment areas for regional sports are often vast, covering multiple local government areas. A long-term plan will ensure facilities are located, funded, and managed in a way that best supports regional needs,” Mr Rundle said.
“The plan will guide decisions on regional sporting infrastructure needs and locations, land use and
operational responsibilities, community infrastructure plans and long-term investment priorities.
“Under The Nationals WA, we’ll rebuild and revitalise community and regional sports across the State,
delivering facilities that empower clubs and bring communities together,” he said.
