MP calls for action for Heathridge community facilities

9 June 2023

Member for Joondalup, Emily Hamilton MLA, renews call for action to redevelop Heathridge Park
$2.5 million of WA State Government funding committed to the project
City of Joondalup is yet to commit to the redevelopment of Heathridge Park
A lack of investment in the facility has resulted in recent weather damage preventing access for sport and community groups

Ms Emily Hamilton MLA, Member for Joondalup, is calling on the City of Joondalup to commit to a redevelopment of Heathridge Park.

The facilities at Heathridge Park are some of the oldest in the City of Joondalup. There needs to be significant investment to ensure that clubs and groups can continue to grow their membership and to ensure that there are adequate facilities to support the growth of women in sport.

Ms Hamilton and local community and sporting groups agree that the ageing infrastructure at Heathridge Park does not meet the needs of our growing community.

The results of the 2019 Needs and Feasibility Study on Heathridge Park that was undertaken by the City of Joondalup reaffirmed that the facility was reaching its end of asset life.

In 2021 Joondalup MP Emily Hamilton secured $2.5 million in funding from the WA Labor Government to support the redevelopment.

However, the City of Joondalup is yet to commit to a redevelopment of Heathridge Park and the project is not included in the City of Joondalup’s recent budget or 5-year Capital Works Program.

Recent events have validated community concerns about the ageing facilities at Heathridge Park. Recent heavy rain has caused damage to the Heathridge Community Centre. This has prompted the closure of the Centre and has meant that the local community and sport groups are without a facility to carry out their activities.

Comments attributed to Emily Hamilton MLA:

“Since 2019 I have been advocating strongly for the redevelopment of Heathridge Park, following the matter being raised with me by local residents, sporting clubs and community organisations that utilise the space regularly.

“It’s now the case that there is $2.5 million in State Government funding available but there has been no action from the City that demonstrates that they are committed to delivering the project.

Comments attributed to Ken Bevan, of RSL Veteran’s Support Centre - Joondalup:

“Since the rain damage, we’ve been locked out and can’t provide important services to local veterans from our Heathridge base.

“The Joondalup RSL Veteran’s Support Centre is a vital part of the lives of many veterans in the northern suburbs and a redevelopment of Heathridge Park would support our services with the local veteran community.”

Comments attributed to Ben Watson, President of the Joondalup Lakers Basketball Club:

“The building is in desperate need of redevelopment.”

“Once revitalised, Heathridge Park will have a positive impact on our young athletes and promote the increased involvement of women in sports in Joondalup.”