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Camera IconNew Town of Cambridge Mayor Gary Mack Credit: Andrew Ritchie\/The West Australian<\/p>\nA western suburbs council has cut the purse strings for any new works on its community facilities or open spaces.<\/p>\n
The Town of Cambridge announced on December 29 it would not carry out any new unplanned improvements to those assets for the next 12 to 24 months.<\/p>\n
It applies to all upgrades, even if clubs or associations contribute funding.<\/p>\n
Regular maintenance and planned renewals will continue, and exceptions will be made for safety or high-risk issues.<\/p>\n
The works have been put on hold while the town develops its Leisure Assets Master Plan (LAMP), which is intended to guide it on what it should spend its money on to meet current and future sport, recreation and leisure needs.<\/p>\n
Town of Cambridge mayor Gary Mack said the town had been asked for more than $10 million of improvements in the past year alone.<\/p>\n
Camera IconNew Town of Cambridge Mayor Gary Mack Credit: Andrew Ritchie\/The West Australian<\/p>\n
He said the town needed a clear plan to ensure those decisions were fair and sustainable.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe LAMP is about planning for the future, not just responding to requests as they come in,\u201d Mr Mack said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to make sure every investment is fair, strategic and delivers the best outcomes for all parts of our community, not just today but for generations to come.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur clubs and community groups are the heart of Cambridge life.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis pause on unplanned improvements is not about saying no, it\u2019s about making sure we say yes in a way that supports clubs, protects community interests, and uses ratepayer funds wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n
It is hoped the master plan will provide clear direction on asset management, capital works, co-location and shared use opportunities, leasing and licensing arrangements, and funding priorities.<\/p>\n
There will be community consultation about the existing and future requirements of the town\u2019s open spaces, community and sporting facilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe best way to advocate for your club\u2019s needs is to take part in the engagement process,\u201d Mr Mack said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour input will help shape the LAMP and guide how we prioritise investment for the long term.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a statement, the town said it hoped to appoint a consultant early in 2026 who could \u201cmove as swiftly as possible without reducing the level or effectiveness of the community consultation required\u201d.<\/p>\n
It hopes to have the plan delivered by 2028.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe town recognises the need for our clubs and community to have clarity about future investment in these facilities as soon as possible,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are committed to working with the successful consultant to reduce timeframes as much as possible without affecting the quality of the final outcome.\u201d<\/p>\n
Community engagement is expected to begin mid-2026.<\/p>\n