Ben Morton (Tangney, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Willetton Basketball Stadium is home to one of the most successful basketball associations in Perth, with 300 teams and 3,500 players supported by over 1,000 volunteers. The stadium not only services the young people throughout my electorate but also attracts kids from far beyond. The state Liberal government has committed $3.5 million towards four more indoor courts, new change rooms, meeting rooms, a hall, offices and space for supporting health services. The state Liberals' commitment represents one-third of the total project costs. What great news this is. Over 150 kids on the waiting list who want to play basketball but cannot due to a lack of infrastructure are now one step closer to playing a team sport. Congratulations to the Chairman of the Willetton Basketball Association, Mr Phil Nixon, and his army of passionate volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to engage the community, fundraise and bring awareness to this important project. I give thanks to my state Liberal colleague, Dr Mike Nahan, who has been working for eight years to get this project partially funded by the state government. But this will not get done unless the full cost of the expansion project is found. That is why I am determined to find a federal contribution to this very important project. I wish the Willetton Tigers all the very best for the upcoming SBL season and their first game against the Mandurah Magic on 18 March.