One of Serpentine Jarrahdale Shire’s fastest-growing sporting clubs may soon be forced to leave its home community, due to what it describes as a lack of available playing fields and inadequate sporting amenities creating an uncertain future for hundreds of local players and families.
The Serpentine Jarrahdale Serpents Rugby League Club, which has experienced rapid growth in recent years, says the Shire is running out of suitable sporting infrastructure to accommodate the increasing demand for community sport.
With membership numbers more than doubling from approximately 119 participants in 2025 to more than 217 registered players in 2026, the club said existing facilities are no longer fit for purpose, and future growth is at risk.
“We’re not simply asking for a ground,” a club spokesperson said.
“We’re talking about ensuring local children, families and volunteers have access to safe and properly equipped community sporting facilities close to home.”
The Serpents currently field 12 teams across junior and senior competitions and have ambitious plans to introduce additional senior, women’s and non-contact rugby league programs next season.
However, club leaders warn those opportunities may never materialise locally if access to suitable infrastructure cannot be secured.
The Serpents say they have already experienced difficulties securing access to grounds and facilities, including the loss of home fixtures due to venue availability constraints, with trips up to Alkimos having to be arranged as a substitute.
Growing competition for limited sporting space has left many community clubs struggling to find adequate training and match-day venues.
At the centre of the issue is accessing quality sporting facilities.
According to the Serpents, many existing facilities are being monopolised by one sporting code, and the Shire is unwilling to make any changes.
The Serpents have formally requested consideration for future sporting facilities at Keirnan Park, describing the new development as an opportunity to provide a long-term home for one of the Shire’s fastest-growing winter sporting clubs.
In separate representations to the Shire, club members have questioned whether suitable interim arrangements will be made available such as Mundijong Oval, warning that failure to secure an appropriate venue could effectively force the club outside the district in search of grounds capable of hosting training and competition matches.
For many local families, the prospect of travelling to neighbouring districts for home games is a concerning one.
The Serpents say their future growth projections could see participation numbers exceed 350 people in 2027 and continue increasing in subsequent years, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure solutions.
“As our community grows, so does the need for quality recreational spaces,” the club spokesperson said.
“Without adequate grounds and amenities, clubs like ours face a difficult choice, either stop growing or move elsewhere.”
“With planning underway for new sporting precincts across the Shire, the coming months may prove decisive in determining whether one of the municipality’s fastest-growing clubs can continue to call Serpentine Jarrahdale home, or whether it will be forced to look beyond its own community to find the facilities needed for the next chapter of its growth.”
SJ Shire President Rob Coales said the Shire is working with the club to find a solution.
“The Shire recognises that the availability of active sporting reserves across the district is under significant pressure due to rapid population growth and increasing participation across a number of sporting codes,” he said.
“To address this demand, longer-term planning for sporting infrastructure continues, such as delivering two new community sporting ovals at Keirnan Park as well as working with developers on the planning and delivery of sporting facilities.
“The Shire has worked collaboratively with the SJ Serpents Rugby League Club over the past year to implement practical short-term solutions at Clem Kentish Oval that support the club’s continued growth and presence in SJ.
“Improvements at Clem Kentish Oval include upgrades and modifications to the playing surface, improvements to change room, first aid and canteen facilities and provision of mobile lighting towers.
“In addition, the Serpents were also given access to Mundijong Oval when available, to assist in meeting training demands.”
President Coales said local government efforts to foster the club’s growth and future success will keep on being made.
“The Shire will continue to work with developers, who are delivering community sporting infrastructure in accordance with our Developer Contribution Plans, which will help meet our growing needs for active sporting reserves,” he said.
“Until these are delivered, the Shire will continue to engage with the SJ Serpents, alongside other sporting clubs, to maximise the use of existing facilities. The Shire acknowledges the important role the SJ Serpents play in providing sporting and recreation opportunities for the community and remains committed to working constructively with the club.”
The SJ Serpents welcome hearing from any neighbouring Local Government Authority with suitable green space or sporting facilities available and can be contacted at sjserpentsrlsc@outlook.com.
