MARC stage two development officially opens | photos

Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash said the project provided the community with a modern, integrated sport and recreation, and aquatic health and fitness facility.

“I aim to build the kinds of communities our children and grandchildren want to either stay in or come back to, and great sporting facilities like this does just that,” she said.

“The Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre offers great fitness facilities, which will meet the future needs of the community for years to come.”

Federal Member for Canning Andrew Hastie, who joined with members of the community at the opening and cut the ribbon on the new facility, said the project included the refurbishment of the existing multi-sport stadium.

“Sport is an important part of Australian culture and community life. This facility represents a gathering place for the people of Mandurah that will serve our region well,” he said.

“The new facilities improve access to a range of sports, including basketball, netball, volleyball, futsal and badminton.

“I saw the new facility in action several weeks ago at the South West Basketball Aboriginal Carnival. With its 600-seat show court Mandurah will be able to host large regional competitions for years to come.”

City of Mandurah mayor Marina Vergone said this is one of the biggest community infrastructure projects that Mandurah has ever seen.

“This completes the final stage of the long-awaited redevelopment to transform the centre into a modern, state-of-the-art recreational facility that meets the needs of our growing community,” she said.

“We’re so proud of what’s been achieved and thank the community for their patience and support throughout this exciting project.”

Stage two of the project was jointly funded by the coalition government investing $10 million and the City of Mandurah contributing $6 million to complete the project.