The proposed $4.5 million dollar Dawesville Community Centre is “well overdue” after a sharp population increase along Mandurah’s southern corridor, according to Coastal Ward councillor Fred Riebeling.
Despite being placed in their 10 year plan, the build has been labelled a “priority project” by the local government.
An advocate for residents in the area, Mr Riebeling said he was keen to see the project in full-swing as soon as possible.
“It’s in the 10 years plan but we don’t want it to be in 10 years time, we want it to be in the next few,” he said.
“It really is a vital piece of infrastructure so the community can have to same access to halls and meeting places – the same as the rest of Mandurah.
“There’s a big gap in services, so it’s well needed.
“It's something that is well overdue.”
The proposed centre will address the existing need for more affordable space for community meetings, activities, programs and human services in the southern suburbs.
The project falls under the City of Mandurah’s Social Infrastructure Plan 2013-2043, which was endorsed by council in September 2013.
Mr Riebeling said himself and his fellow Coastal Ward councillors Tahlia Jones and Merv Darcy would continue their push for the major infrastructure project.
“The other Coastal Ward councillors and I will be working to achieve that. We’ll be moving heaven and earth to bring [the project] forward as quickly as possible.
“The population growth is expected to be more that sufficient to justify that investment.”
With Dawesville’s residents forecasted to grow from 7,500 to 15,000 by 2036, the centre would also cater for the area’s fast-growing population.
The centre was originally tipped to be constructed between 2018/2020 however the timing was revised 2021/22, subject to the “funding and need”.
“It’s really just a matter of getting our finances in order so that the community can have a… centre they will be proud of,” Mr Riebeling said.
We’ll be moving heaven and earth to bring [the project] forward as quickly as possible.
- Coastal Ward councillor Fred Riebeling
The future centre will be built on the north-western corner of the Florida Neighbourhood Centre on Dandaragan Drive and Woodstock Avenue, a location Mr Riebeling labelled as “ideal”.
The site will be located on 0.2 of a hectare of land owned by the City of Mandurah.
Concept designs for the future centre’s development have been released by the City of Mandurah in a report at the council’s September meeting.
At the meeting, Mr Riebeling moved the report’s recommendations, which was then seconded by Ms Jones.
On September 25, councillors will vote again on recommendations to acknowledge the estimated costs and timing, as well as endorse the proposed ‘Dawesville Community Centre Concept Plan’.
What’s your opinion on the proposed centre? Do you agree with the design and location? Share your views with us via editor.mandurahmail@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
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