Million-dollar boost for Waroona town project

The Waroona Community Precinct project has received a welcome funding boost from the Alcoa Waroona Sustainability Fund, bringing the Shire of Waroona closer to realising revitalisation plans for its town centre.

The additional $550,000, together with a previous $450,000 commitment, increases the total contribution from the Alcoa fund to $1 million.

The project, which aims to revitalise Waroona’s town centre to a vibrant, central hub for residents and an attractive stop and stay destination for passers-by, aligns with the Fund’s purpose of supporting initiatives, facilities and projects that result in sustainable and positive change for the communities in which Alcoa operates.

 Shire of Waroona President Cr Mike Walmsley said the extra funding support would enable the Shire to keep momentum moving on the transformational community project. 

“The extra funding will enable works to push ahead on site, while we continue discussions with other funding bodies and navigate cost escalations affecting the construction industry, which have pushed the total project completion cost to over $6 million,” Cr Walmsley said. 

On completion, the Precinct is intended to deliver a combination of heritage, culture, art and recreation facilities to be enjoyed by families, seniors, youth and visitors alike. 

Planned features include a fenced toddler play area, junior playground, all-ages skate park and pump track, shaded picnic area with barbecues, grassed open space, events and pop-up area, Noongar six seasons garden, accessible toilets, pathways, shelters and seating, as well as RV facilities including rest areas and overnight parking. 

Wagerup Refinery Manager Mark Hodgson confirmed the funding allocation was by far the largest contribution made to any project under the Alcoa Waroona Sustainability Fund.

“Set to make a positive contribution to Waroona’s economic, social, recreational and environmental sustainability, the Precinct project is a prime example of the type of community development project the fund was created to support,” Mr Hodgson said.

The Alcoa Waroona Sustainability Fund is administered by the Shire of Waroona in partnership with Alcoa. Contributions are made annually to the fund based on Wagerup Refinery’s previous year’s production.

The Precinct has been jointly funded by the Federal Government, the State Government through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Lotterywest, as well as the Shire of Waroona, Alcoa Waroona Sustainability Fund and the Lions Club of Waroona.

 Earthworks are currently underway, with most construction estimated for completion by the end of this year.

For further project information, visit the Shire of Waroona website.