Sporting groups are being urged to put up their hand for funding as part of a $27 million grants splash sports facilities targeting participation by women and girls.
The state government is helping communities build and transform sports facilities, including female friendly change rooms, to encourage more participation and healthier lifestyles across the state.
The 2021-22 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund will invest up to $27 million for new and improved sports facilities across Victoria, with a focus on those encouraging participation among women and girls.
Community sport minister Ros Spence said as sporting clubs, leagues and associations chart their path to reopening, the government investment in infrastructure will help stimulate local economies while encouraging people to stay active and healthy.
“Investing in new and upgraded facilities means community clubs can support more players and host more events safely as we progressively reopen,” she said.
“We’re creating a level playing field and urge councils and sporting organisations to think creatively about how they can support their communities with innovative and inclusive facilities.”
The Fund supports projects across five dedicated streams of Indoor Stadiums/Aquatic Centres, Female Friendly Facilities, Community Sports Lighting, Community Facilities, and Planning.
Funding grants available to develop female friendly facilities have increased to up to $800,000 each to support more women and girls getting involved in community sport.
The planning stream will support councils in developing projects to meet the changing needs of their communities.
These grants are part of $1.1 billion invested by the Government in community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014.
A report by KPMG commissioned by Sport and Recreation Victoria last year put an annual value of $7 billion on the economic, social and health benefits of community sport and active recreation infrastructure in Victoria.
Clubs are advised to contact their local council to help with the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund application process.
Further details: sport.vic.gov.au
