New basketball courts could bring Wildcats to town, says Bunbury City chief

The city of Bunbury is urging the State Government to help fund proposed upgrades to the South West Sports Centre’s basketball facilities in the hope of luring the Perth Wildcats back to the region. Speaking at the Bunbury Basketball Association’s life members’ dinner, city chief executive Alan Ferris addressed questions about the proposed upgrades, which would include an additional six-court stadium near the netball courts at Hay Park. The upgrades were approved by the council in May 2023. The State Government promised $8 million as an election commitment to build the stadium. Mr Ferris said the council was keen to get the stadium plans sorted before the upcoming State election. “We’re preparing for a session with the minister where we’re updating on where we’re at with the stadium,” he said. “It’s really about getting this in front of the Government before the election. The last thing we want is for this to get delayed. “We’ve got an election coming up, and this is something that we need to get done right now.” Mr Ferris said the council would explore the possibility of bringing professional games such as an NBL fixture to the South West after the announcement there would be three AFL games played at Hands Oval over the next three years. “The need is there to build something that’s going to be the future of sport in this region, that’s also going to provide a, hopefully, national competition but also provide the Bunbury Basketball Association with the means to support a sustainable operation,” he said. “We’ve obviously got Perth Glory coming down here too. We’re in discussion with other sports at the moment that are keen to show their elite sport in our town as well. “The more we can bring those elite sports down and let our community and region see these elite sports, we’re 100 per cent behind that. Nothing should be off the table.” The Perth Wildcats have only played preseason matches in the South West, the most recent being in 2022 at Eaton Recreation Centre against the Adelaide 36ers.