The iconic WACA Ground and nearby Waterbank site in East Perth will become the first home for Australia's newest National Rugby League (NRL) club, the Perth Bears (the Bears).
The Perth Bears Facility project will support the club's entry into the NRL competition in 2027 by ensuring the Bears have the elite environment needed.
The WACA Ground will accommodate the club's administration and high-performance operations, with upgrades to the Lillee Marsh Stand delivering modern facilities that support training, recovery, athlete wellbeing and day-to-day club activities.
The nearby Waterbank will serve as the club's professional training field, providing a high-quality training environment and supporting infrastructure for players and coaching staff.
Together, these upgrades will deliver contemporary high-performance sporting facilities, strengthen East Perth's position as a premier sporting precinct and support the growth of rugby league in Western Australia.
The project complements the broader WACA Ground Improvement Project and forms part of the WA Government's investment in supporting the introduction of a Western Australian NRL team.
This project is part of the WA Government's PlayOn WA: 2030 by 2030 initiative to deliver 2,030 community infrastructure items across Western Australia by 2030.
Establishes a base for the Perth Bears and supports the growth of rugby league in Western Australia.
Strengthens East Perth as a high-performance sport and recreation precinct.
Creates opportunities for local schools, sporting clubs and community organisations to connect with elite sport.
Supports participation pathways from grassroots sport through to professional competition.
Delivers long-term sporting infrastructure that will benefit athletes, sporting organisations and the broader community for years to come.
A high-performance training and administration base for the Perth Bears’ NRL team, featuring elite training and athlete support facilities.
The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.
