Development and Construction

Planning and development of the centre was a highly collaborative process with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC)  working closely with the Department of Finance, Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage — Aboriginal Heritage, City of Canning, Football West, VenuesWest, South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC) and other key stakeholders.

In March 2021, the Western Australian Planning Commission approved the development of the centre.

Broad Construction commenced work on the site in February 2022 and reached practical completion in July 2023.

Aboriginal Engagement

Development of the Sam Kerr Football Centre incorporated a heritage survey on the Queens Park Open Space site including searches of the Register of Aboriginal sites for the site and surrounding land, preliminary site inspection and on-site field survey with SWALSC-nominated Whadjuk representatives. The survey established that the site “is not, and does not contain any known Aboriginal heritage sites”.

Working with the Yunga Foundation, the project established an Aboriginal Reference Group made up of Whadjuk representatives. The reference group provided valuable input relating to Aboriginal culture for the Sam Kerr Football Centre project.

Aboriginal monitors were also engaged for relevant ground disturbance activities related to the development of the centre.

Environment

Development of the centre aimed to increase the overall environmental value of the Queens Park Open Space site through better protection, restoration and management of retained bushland areas.

Careful consideration was given to the design of the centre to ensure any disturbance to the natural vegetation was kept to a minimum. In addition, a detailed fauna management plan helped minimise impacts to fauna.

The project also took into consideration wetland preservation, best practice urban water management and drainage principles, and consideration and reduction of the impact of any lighting on nearby areas.

As part of an environmental offset package, vegetation adjacent to the centre was rezoned from recreation purposes to conservation estate and will be vested to the City of Canning.

A rehabilitation plan will help guide the ongoing management of this vegetation for conservation purposes, which will include the identification of areas suitable for infill planting and improved weed control.

Reference Group

The centre reference group had 12 members, including: 

  • residents, property owners or business owners in direct proximity to the site and suburb of Queens Park 
  • representatives from local environment and sustainability organisations or community groups 
  • representatives from local heritage, cultural and arts organisations or community groups

The reference group contributed ideas and suggestions, represented community inputs to the development and helped share the progress of the development within the community.