Brumby Government Pledges $140 Million For Grassroot Sport
A future Labor Government will inject $140.2 million into grassroots and elite sport so local clubs remain the backbone of communities and Victoria continues to strengthen its title as the world’s sporting capital, Premier John Brumby announced today.
Mr Brumby said Labor would continue to invest heavily in modern sporting infrastructure and programs for the State’s growing suburbs, regional cities and towns.
“With more and more people playing sport, we are determined to provide as many opportunities as possible for Victorians to stay healthy, active and involved in their communities,” Mr Brumby said.
“That’s why Labor will upgrade local sporting clubs, provide extra support for equipment and uniforms and continue to recognize the contribution of our dedicated sporting volunteers.
“We will also cement Victoria’s position as Australia’s sporting capital by building new elite facilities that can be used for international events – and shared with the community.”
Mr Brumby said a future Labor Government would invest:
- $112 million over four years for grassroots clubroom redevelopments and large multi-purpose facilities through a new Facilities for The Future program;
- $19.7 million for the development of a new State Cricket and Community Centre at the heritage-listed Junction Oval to boost participation and development at all levels of the game;
- $4.5 million to support volunteers and boost skills in community clubs and associations; and
- $4 million to encourage more people over 60 to get more healthy and active.
“Victoria’s 16,000 grassroots sporting clubs are the heart and soul of communities across the State,” Mr Brumby said.
“There is a massive demand for opportunities to play sports like soccer, basketball, cricket, football and netball – and we want to help local clubs and councils cater provide the necessary infrastructure to cater for new members.
“That’s why we’ll continue to improve local sporting infrastructure with a new $112 million program – Facilities for the Future.
“Labor will provide grants of up to $60,000 for small facility upgrades such as lighting; and up to $500,000 for bigger upgrades such as ground resurfacing and clubroom improvements.
“Under the program, we will also provide grants of up to $5 million for both new and improved large scale multi-sport facilities in our suburbs and towns.
“Investing in local facilities is important, but we also want to recognise and support the hard work and goodwill of more than 400 000 volunteers – players, coaches, umpires, administrators – who underpin the success of our great sporting culture in Victoria.
“We’ll support local sporting clubs to pay for equipment, uniforms, education, training, lower registration fees and support awards that recognise the contribution of volunteers.
“Labor will also work with the State Sports Association to help even more people aged over 60 stay active and involved in five key sports popular with seniors – golf, swimming, cycling, lawn bowls and tennis.”
Sports Minister James Merlino said a future Labor Government would also strengthen Victoria’s suite of world class sporting stadiums and infrastructure.
“We will build a new State Cricket and Community Centre, which will cater for community and elite cricket. It will include high quality playing, training, spectator and administrative facilities,” Mr Merlino said.
Topics: 2010, Australia, Brumby Labor Government, business, clubroom redevelopments, community, economic development, economic growth, economic recovery, Economy, elite sport, employment, Facilities for The Future program, Governance, government, grassroots sport, Health Care, healthy, investment, jobs, Junction Oval, local clubs, moniter, monitor, news, Premier John Brumby, regional cities, sporting capital, sporting infrastructure, sports, State Cricket and Community Centre, suburbs, towns, Victoria
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