SportWest welcomes the release of the Western Australian Parliament’s After the Bell: Community Use of Public School Facilities report, which reinforces the important role that school facilities can play in supporting healthier, more connected and active communities.
The report recognises that public schools are valuable community assets and identifies significant opportunities to improve access to school ovals, courts, halls, pools and other facilities outside school hours. Importantly, it highlights the role that greater access to these spaces can play in increasing physical activity, strengthening community connections, supporting participation opportunities and making better use of existing public infrastructure.
SportWest was pleased to contribute to the inquiry and advocate on behalf of the entire sport sector. Our submission highlighted the growing demand for community sport facilities, the challenges many clubs face in securing access to suitable venues, and the important role that school facilities can play in helping communities stay active and connected.
The report aligns strongly with SportWest’s broader advocacy efforts to position community sport as a critical contributor to preventative health, community wellbeing and social outcomes. Through our ongoing engagement with Government, the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (CITS), the Department of Education and other key stakeholders, SportWest has consistently advocated for greater collaboration and smarter use of existing community assets to support participation, physical literacy and lifelong involvement in sport.
As Western Australia continues to grow, unlocking greater access to existing public assets represents a practical and cost-effective way to support participation and help more Western Australians experience the benefits of sport and physical activity. At a time when physical inactivity is placing increasing pressure on our health system, enabling greater community access to school facilities is a practical step that can help more Western Australians move, connect and thrive.
SportWest commends the Committee for its comprehensive work and looks forward to working with Government, CITS, the Department of Education, local governments and sector partners to help progress the report’s recommendations and maximise the value of these important community assets for the benefit of communities across Western Australia.
