High Performance Sport Strategy

Supporting high performance sport through the optimisation of our venues

A graphic collage of WA athletes competing in various different sports for the VW High Performance Sport Strategy campaign

In recognition of a changing sporting environment in Western Australia, VenuesWest has identified a requirement to support the growth and sustainability of high performance sport through the optimisation of its facilities.

Investment in high performance sport in Western Australia is a key element in ensuring a continuous cycle of participation and global success exists in organised sport. The VenuesWest High Performance Sport Strategy was developed in 2021 to facilitate VenuesWest's targeted support of specific and relevant high performance sports that have been identified through robust selection processes. These sports are referred to as 'targeted sports'. 

VenuesWest provides direct support to high performance sport through the optimisation of our venues, capital investment in infrastructure, subsidy on venue usage and priority access for targeted sports. VenuesWest currently targets 18 high performance sports in Western Australia. Traditionally, VenuesWest has only expanded the list of targeted sports as a result of new and/or enhanced facility infrastructure.  The needs of these sports are often factored into the business case for investment in infrastructure in collaboration with key industry partners in the State.  

See the High Performance Sport Strategy for further information:

07/06/22 High Performance Sport Strategy

The following sports were confirmed as targeted sports from 2024/25:

  • AFL
  • artistic-swimming-2
    Artistic Swimming
  • Athletics
  • Basketball
  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Cricket
  • Cycling
  • Diving
  • Netball
  • Rowing
  • Rugby League
  • Rugby Union
  • Football
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Triathlon
  • WaterPolo
  • Volleyball

The following sports support a para-sport, team or athlete as advised by the sports:

  • AFL
  • Tennis
  • Athletics
  • Rowing
  • Triathlon
  • Cycling Indoor/Track
  • Basketball
  • Rugby League
  • Volleyball
  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Swimming

VenuesWest is keen to expand the number of sports it can support, encouraging the support of sports across the spectrum. This includes sports that have high market share and are commercially successful through to those who do not have a strong participation stronghold and require significant subsidy to train and/or compete. 

VenuesWest welcomes State Sporting Associations that would benefit from access to identified benefits within VenuesWest venues to apply to be a targeted sport for 25/26. Applications for new sports are open from July 2 to July 16 2025. Application can be made by contacting VenuesWest’s Senior High Performance Sports Consultant, Erin Smith at erin.smith@venueswest.wa.gov.au.