Finance available for sports and rec facility upgrades

APPLICATIONS are open to Victorian councils plus Alpine Resorts Victoria (which manages the state’s six alpine resorts) for the 2025-26 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSIF).

The LSIF, which was extended in the Victorian Budget 2025/26, has three streams – community facilities, community sports lighting and planning – with local governing bodies able to apply for between $40,000 and $500,000 in funding.

Potential projects include new or improved sports courts, lighting, change rooms, playgrounds and skate parks with a focus on proposals that will support local communities and groups in increasing participation, including amongst women and girls.

Successful projects funded through one previous round include $250,000 towards a new family recreation space at Dandenong’s Greaves Reserve featuring a multi-use court for basketball and soccer, a tennis half-court with rebound wall, and connecting pathways.

Fawkner’s Charles Mutton Reserve also received $200,000 to deliver a 150 lux LED lighting upgrade on both sports ovals – providing the Northern Saints Football Club with more playing and training time to meet growing demand.

“Nothing unites communities like grassroots sport, and that’s why it’s important that locals have modern and accessible sporting facilities so people can come together and enjoy the sports they love,” Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said.

“Our investments in sport and recreation infrastructure are making it easier for players, coaches, umpires and supporters of all abilities to get involved in local sports and their communities.”

Find out more, including how to apply, on the Sport and Recreation Victoria website.