Boost For Local Sporting Facilities
The Andrews Labor Government is upgrading a range of sporting facilities from tennis, cricket to football, giving Victorians a new home advantage at more state-of-the-art facilities across the state.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence was in Melton today to announce 81 projects across the state will share in up to $27 million funding from the Labor Government’s 2021-22 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.
The Government is investing $250,000 to construct a netball court, oval and synthetic cricket wicket at the new Bridge Road Recreation Reserve.
There’s also $231,000 being invested in sports ground lighting at the Mt Atkinson Active Open Space Precinct along with $250,000 for an upgrade of Oval 2 at Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve.
As part of the Fund, the Government is investing $800,000 in a new multisport pavilion at Bensonhurst Parade Reserve in Point Cook which will deliver a large female friendly facility with eight changerooms, umpire changerooms, accessible bathrooms, first aid, storage, community space, and a kitchen/kiosk.
It will provide a new base for local soccer and cricket clubs to host training and games, as well as community celebrations and events.
In Tarneit, a $250,000 boost will go towards the construction of six tennis courts, two of which will be multi-lined for tennis and netball. The courts will be competition standard with lighting.
Building both projects will employ more than 19 people, with the tennis venue expected to be complete in March 2023 and the new pavilion expected to be up and running in May 2023.
Applications are now open for the 2022 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund - backed by up to $30 million from the Victorian Budget 2022/23 with $10 million dedicated to female friendly facilities.
The Budget is providing an additional $88 million to deliver new and improved community sports infrastructure and programs to boost participation in local sports clubs and organisations.
It’s part of more than $1.2 billion invested by the Government in community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014.
Clubs interested in seeking support through the 2022 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund are advised to contact their local council to help with the application process. For more information about recently funded projects or to apply online visit sport.vic.gov.au
Quote attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
“Victorians love their sport. We’re looking to level the playing field by investing in projects that inspire more Victorians to take part in community sport with the very best facilities across the state.”
Quote attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie
“Growing communities deserve modern and safe facilities they can be proud of. The new oval and netball court is not only a win for local clubs, but also for the whole of Melton.”
