The Andrews Labor Government is providing greater opportunities for more people to get active more often with the announcement today of a new $22 million Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today announced that applications for the fund’s inaugural round are now open.

Grassroots sports clubs are the lifeblood of our suburbs and towns, and they deserve modern, safe and inclusive facilities with room to grow and welcome more participants than ever before, especially women and girls.

Councils and Alpine Resort Boards can apply for grant opportunities across five funding streams including; Aquatic Centres and Indoor Stadiums, Strategic Facilities, Female Friendly Facilities, Community Facilities, and Planning.

The $22 million investment into community infrastructure will provide high-quality, female friendly, safe and accessible facilities to ensure all Victorians can reap the benefits of participating in sport and active recreation.

The Labor Government is committed to increasing women and girls’ participation with grants of up to $500,000 available for female friendly projects.

The fund will support the construction, programming and activation of inclusive sport and active recreation infrastructure, which will achieve better health, wellbeing, social, and economic outcomes for Victorian communities.

The fund builds on the $850 million investment made by the government in community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014.

Interested clubs should discuss project proposals with their local council, with applications closing on 14 February 2019. For more information, visit sport.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Sunbury, Josh Bull MP

“Sport and active recreation is the heart and soul of Sunbury. Unfortunately, many clubs and communities are struggling with run down infrastructure.

“With more and more women and girls signing up to play in Sunbury, Gladstone Park, Tullamarine and Diggers Rest we are getting on with upgrading infrastructure so clubs can keep up with soaring demand, while also making them accessible and more inclusive.”

“I urge councils to apply for projects that will make a real difference to the lives of our community.”