Council backs royalties' lobby

Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels has thrown his support behind Warnbro MLA Paul Papalia’s campaign calling on the State Government to commit a portion of the Golden Bay development’s profits to Rockingham infrastructure.

Cr Sammels said the council would be negligent if it did not support Mr Papalia — who has continued his push for $15 million of the development’s royalties to go back to the community, despite Housing Minister Troy Buswell suggesting a potential profit of half the amount initially expected by Mr Papalia.

Mr Buswell said the development could deliver up to $520 million in revenue over the next 12 years including a potential profit of $200 million once development costs were covered.

Mr Papalia said that although Mr Buswell’s suggested profit was less than the $400 million mark he initially expected, $200 million was still a substantial amount and $15 million was a reasonable ask.

‘‘Even if Mr Buswell’s claims are correct and Golden Bay will provide a windfall of only $200 million, it’s only fair that $15 million be allocated to Australian football facilities at Lark Hill, a new surf club at Secret Harbour, completion of the dual-use path from Singleton to Mandurah and upgrades to Rhonda Scarrot oval,’’ he said.

Mr Buswell said he was aware of Mr Papalia’s concerns and was considering options for a State Government contribution to Lark Hill.

But Cr Sammels said the council had not, at a senior level, had any discussions with the Government regarding funding for football facilities at the Sportsplex.

‘‘If the State Government doesn’t allocate funding here, (Lark Hill) stage two will probably be 10 years away,’’ he said.

Cr Sammels said if Mr Papalia was successful in attracting this Government funding the council would be able to concentrate its budget towards other community projects.

‘‘What we want is a binding commitment,’’ Mr Papalia said.