Karratha arts precinct’s $10m Federal windfall

Construction of the Karratha Arts and Community Precinct looks set to go ahead as scheduled after the City of Karratha’s second attempt to secure $10 million from the National Stronger Regions Fund was successful.

In June, the City missed out on the first round of funding through the Federal Government initiative, but this morning it was announced their second attempt had been fruitful.

The $54 million precinct will include an arts centre, gallery space, an outdoor event space with an amphitheatre, as well as a new library and space for the local history office.

It is one of 111 projects across the country successful in securing a share of $293 million handed out in the second round, with the announcement of where the cash will go made this morning by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss and Assistant Minister Michael McCormack.

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price was one of the first cabs off the rank to announce her excitement at the news.

“This project will be a massive boost for not just Karratha but the Pilbara,” Ms Price said.

“It will provide iconic, contemporary, cultural and learning facilities and consists of a state of the art library, multi-functional theatre, modern outdoor amphitheatre and a war memorial.

“The library will include a professions research and education development zone, office space and personalised visitor centre services integrated into the layout.

“The theatre and associated spaces features a grand open foyer proving opportunities for showcasing local and aboriginal art and local history exhibitions, and a stunning roof top terrace space for cinema and outdoor events.”

Ms Price said funding was supporting investment in a diverse range of infrastructure nationwide, from tourism and transport infrastructure to tourism, cultural, sporting and healthcare facilities.

“The projects have been identified as priority infrastructure by local communities. The Fund encourages communities to form partnerships to deliver projects between not-for-profit organisations, local, state and territory governments as well as the private sector,” Ms Price said.

In October, City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long said tenders for the construction of the Karratha Arts and Community Precinct would be invited in early 2016 if external funding was secured.

“The City of Karratha National Stronger Regions Funding application was submitted in July for the current funding round,” he said.

The City council expects to fund about half the project itself but previously said it would underwrite the project by up to $46 million in fear it misses out on the Federal scheme.

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