Tracey Roberts (Pearce, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

The incorporated speech read as follows—

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

I'm pleased to update the House on the Alkimos Aquatic and Recreation Centre in the community of Pearce—its progress, the funding partnership that is making it possible and what it means for our fast-growing northern suburbs. As the federal member for Pearce, and having championed this project since my time as mayor of the City of Wanneroo, my focus has always been on delivering the full, high-quality facility our community deserves—a centre that truly meets the needs of local families, seniors and sporting groups.

The Alkimos Aquatic and Recreation Centre is far more than a construction site. It is part of the future heart of our northern coastal corridor—a place where families will gather, children will learn to swim, seniors will stay active and local clubs will thrive. This is the kind of community infrastructure that turns new suburbs into connected neighbourhoods, and it's exactly what our residents have long been asking for.

From my time as mayor through to representing Pearce here in Canberra, I've fought hard for this project. I've heard from parents who drive long distances every week for swimming lessons, from older residents who want accessible facilities close to home, and from clubs who have been lobbying for proper training and competition spaces. Every single conversation has reinforced my determination to make sure Alkimos gets a first-class facility.

The project is now budgeted at just under $88 million. The main works contract has been awarded, construction is underway and completion is expected late this year. During construction, approximately 250 jobs will be supported, with a further 42 ongoing roles once the centre opens. That's a huge boost for local economic activity, and a clear example of how community infrastructure drives growth on multiple levels.

I have consistently championed this project at every opportunity—in council chambers, at community meetings, and in federal parliament—always with one message: our northern suburbs must not be left behind. Securing strong funding partnerships has been central to this advocacy, and I'm proud that the Australian government has committed $30 million towards the project, including $25 million through the Priority Community Infrastructure Program and $5 million via the Female Facilities and Water Safety Stream. This builds on contributions from our state and local partners: approximately $12.6 million from the state government and more than $45 million from the City of Wanneroo and developer sources combined. It is a genuine partnership between all levels of government, working together to deliver for the people of Alkimos and surrounding communities.

When I look at the plans, I don't just see pools and courts, I see opportunity. I see children learning life-saving water safety skills. I see teenagers finding a positive, welcoming place to spend their time. I see seniors keeping fit and socially connected. And I see local jobs—good, secure jobs that help families build their future right here in our community. The design reflects these aspirations. It includes a 50-metre outdoor pool, indoor lap and leisure water, fitness areas, multi-use sports courts and community spaces—all located close to the Alkimos train station to make it easy and accessible for residents across the region. This is community infrastructure done right: connected, inclusive and sustainable.

I would also like to acknowledge the thousands of local residents who have stood alongside me over the years, those who signed petitions, attended consultations and wrote to share their views. Our passion and persistence have been instrumental in shaping this project and demonstrating its importance. This has always been a shared effort—by local people, advocacy groups, councillors and all the tiers of government who believed in what this centre could achieve.

As construction moves into the more visible stages—the structural build and interior fit-out—I will continue to seek regular briefings on cost, timing and progress so that our community stays fully informed every step of the way. Transparency and accountability matter, because this centre belongs to the people of Alkimos and the wider Pearce electorate.

As we watch the development take shape, I feel enormous pride but also renewed responsibility. My commitment remains unwavering: to keep standing up for the infrastructure, services and opportunities that our northern suburbs need and deserve. Together, we are not just building a pool. We are building a stronger, healthier and more connected community for generations to come, made possible by shared determination from every level of government and every resident who has helped bring this vision to life.

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