Latest round opens for sports infrastructure grants

THE latest round of a state government program to help build community sports grounds, change rooms, sports courts, playspaces and other sport and recreation facilities is now open.

The 2023-24 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund is supported by up to $5 million in the 2023-24 Victorian Budget.

It helps communities plan and develop sport and recreation facilities through three funding streams – providing up to $300,000 for community facilities, up to $250,000 for community sports lighting, and up to $40,000 for planning.

All Victorian councils and Alpine Resorts Victoria are eligible to apply for funds towards a range of community sports infrastructure and recreation developments.

Successful applicants in recent years include the City of Greater Geelong for LED sports lighting to all netball and tennis courts, pedestrian access and landscaping at Lara Recreation Reserve, the Surf Coast Shire for redeveloping the Anglesea netball pavilion, Moira Shire to light the Numurkah Showgrounds oval, the City of Manningham for the Ruffey Lake Park exercise area, and Northern Grampians Shire to plan the Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre redevelopment.

“Nothing brings communities together like community sport,” Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said.

“Our investment in sport and recreation infrastructure is making it easier for players, coaches, umpires and supporters of all abilities to get involved in local sport and lead healthy and active lifestyles.”

“That’s why I urge local councils and Alpine Resorts Victoria to work with their communities to apply for funding and kick start new projects that can make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The state government says the 2023-34 Budget is providing more than $213 million to deliver new and improved community sport infrastructure and support initiatives that boost participation and inclusion in local sports clubs and organisations, including the continuation of the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund and Country Football and Netball Program.

Clubs interested in seeking support through the 2023-24 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund are encouraged to contact their local council regarding the application process.

Applications close on December 13.

For more information, head to sport.vic.gov.au