Rural Football Clubs Get A $9 Million Boost In Victoria
Rural and Regional football and netball clubs will share in $9 million of Brumby Labor Government grants to rebuild their facilities and ensure community sport continues to thrive.
Sports Minister James Merlino said country clubs would be the big winners in the latest round of the Country Football and Netball Program – a highlight of the Brumby Labor Government’s Ready for Tomorrow: A Blueprint for Regional and Rural Victoria.
“Local footy and netball clubs are the heart and soul of country communities – that’s why we’re improving the quality of their facilities so even more people can get active,” Mr Merlino said.
“With the wonderful opportunities local sport provides, it’s not surprising that participation in football and netball is on the rise across Victoria, but while it is pleasing to see more and more people becoming active, increased numbers place more demand on local facilities.
“Our Government has provided more than $10.5 million for 275 community projects, with a total cost of $26 million under the Country Football and Netball Program since 2005.
“The continuation of this successful program can play an important role in ensuring the ongoing sustainability of Victoria’s rural and regional footy and netball clubs.”
Mr Merlino said local councils could apply for the funding, on behalf of clubs, to redevelop or modify existing facilities and lighting to improve both usage and access, as well as the development or upgrade of football fields and netball courts.
“The Country Football and Netball Program acknowledges the important role regional sporting clubs play in getting communities together and promoting healthy lifestyles,” Mr Merlino said.
“The program has been a resounding success – we have seen major upgrades to Shepparton’s Deakin Reserve and the Morwell Recreation Reserve to help attract AFL preseason matches, and a major upgrade of Wangaratta’s Showgrounds Precinct will commence shortly.”
Minister for Rural and Regional Development Jacinta Allan said the Brumby Labor Government was determined to support families living and working in rural and regional Victoria.
“Local football and netball clubs are integral to communities in country Victoria,” Ms Allan said.
“The Country Football and Netball Program is a highlight of our $631 million Blueprint that follows extensive consultation with regional communities, councils and peak bodies that will make our regions more prosperous and create new opportunities for its residents.”
The $9 million program will be rolled out over the next five years.
For more information about the Country Football and Netball Program go to www.sport.vic.gov.au
Topics: 2010, active, activity, AFL, Australia, Bellarine Peninsula, Brumby Labor Government, community, competition, Country Football and Netball Program, drought-proof synthetic pitch, environment, Football, Governance, government, grassroots sports, health care, healthy, James Merlino, local sporting clubs, monitor, netball, news, Premier John Brumby, schools, senior footy grounds, soccer, society, sports, sports clubs, Surf Coast, Surf Coast Soccer club, synthetic pitch, Synthetic Surfaces Program, Torquay, Torquay Civic precinct, training, training facility, Victoria, Victorian Government, World Game Program
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