Victorian Minister for Community Sport, Ros Spence, has announced that applications are now open for the 2021 round of Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, which will invest up to $22 million for projects that develop local sports infrastructure.
In 2018, a KPMG report commissioned by Sport and Recreation Victoria found that community sport infrastructure generates more than $16.2 billion worth of social, health and economic benefits each year.
The report highlighted that the impact and value of community sport infrastructure extends far beyond the cost of the facilities, and delivers:
- $6.3 billion worth of economic benefits, including construction, maintenance and operation;
- $5.1 billion of social benefits, including community cohesion and mental wellbeing; and
- $4.9 billion worth of health benefits due to promoting physical activity.
The Local Sports Infrastructure Fund is a state-wide competitive Victorian Government initiative that provides a range of grant opportunities across five funding streams:
- Better Indoor Stadiums;
- Female Friendly Facilities;
- Community Sports Lighting;
- Facilities for Active Seniors; and
- Scoreboards and Fixed Equipment
The program is underpinned by the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions’ priorities to ensure the state’s economy benefits all Victorians by creating more jobs for more people, building thriving places and regions and nurturing inclusive communities.
Projects to receive grants from the previous round of the Fund include $500,000 towards a multi-use, female friendly pavilion at Trafalgar Recreation Precinct and $250,000 towards new lighting at Rieschiecks Reserve in Doncaster East.
Minister for Community Sport, Ros Spence, said sporting clubs are the lifeblood of Victoria’s suburbs and regional communities, and they deserve modern, accessible and safe facilities, and that’s what this program is delivering.
“Better facilities allow clubs to take on more players, host more events and draw bigger crowds, boosting the community and local economies,” he said.
Interested clubs are advised to contact their local council or alpine resort board to assist with the application process. For more information or to apply, visit sport.vic.gov.au
