Shire of Harvey to investigate using Brunswick Showgrounds to take pressure off Leschenault Recreation Park

A South West council is set to investigate whether it is viable to improve sporting facilities in a small town to take pressure off its main recreation hub.

The Shire of Harvey has voted to conduct a feasibility study into whether it is economical for courts at the Brunswick Recreation Centre to be brought up to standard for basketball and netball games as an alternative to the Leschenault Leisure Centre.

The council will also investigate if the Brunswick Cricket Ground, which is also located within the town’s showgrounds, could be utilised as an additional ground for users of the Leschenault Recreation Park.

Cr Craig Carbone put the proposal forward and said the showground facilities have been identified in the shire’s sport and recreation plan but have no costings associated with them.

He wanted the council to put together the study to understand any potential costs for upgrades required to make them usable.

Cr Carbone said the Leschenault Leisure Centre manager could potentially utilise these facilities as additional grounds to those in Australind in the future.

He said when the flyover across the Forest Highway opens later this year, the Brunswick Showgrounds will be no more than 10km from the Leschenault Leisure Centre.

“Little more than a seven minute drive,” he said.

Cr Carbone acknowledged that Brunswick Recreation Centre’s netball and basketball courts are not currently compliant for games to be scheduled.

He referred to the centre as a “white elephant” due to its lack of use.

“It’s been sitting there for several decades, used once per year for the Brunswick show,” he said.

Cr Carbone argued if it was improved, clubs in the region would quickly utilise the facility.

“Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault Football Club does have a netball team that plays through the winter and they would use this as a base straight away,” he said.

“We’ve got these facilities there, and we should be using them.”

Fellow councillors voted unanimously to support the motion.