Thousands of Victorians will enjoy new and upgraded sporting grounds and facilities as part of the biggest investment in community and women’s sport in Victoria’s history.
The Andrews Labor Government will invest almost half a billion-dollars to boost sport in Melbourne and across regional Victoria, delivering a better deal for fans and clubs – from the grassroots to elite.
The Victorian Budget 2018/19 will provide $241.6 million to upgrade facilities at suburban grounds, local clubs and high-performance centres across the state.
This includes $64.6 million for a major upgrade to the State Netball and Hockey Centre, as part of more than $100 million to improve facilities and access for women – including:
- $20 million to redevelop Ikon Park into the home of women’s football
- $15 million for the Female Friendly Facilities Fund to boost sports access for women and girls across Victoria
- $13 million for Stage 2 of the Moorabbin Oval redevelopment to enable the Saints AFLW team to play there from 2020
- $12 million to build the Rugby Centre of Excellence in Broadmeadows, becoming home to a future Melbourne Storm women’s team
- $10 million to build the Melbourne Victory Football Academy in Footscray Park
- $10 million to improve playing conditions at Casey Fields and Whitten Oval for AFLW competition
- $2 million for infrastructure upgrades for AFLW clubs at Victoria Park.
This comes on top of a further $60 million for community sporting grants and $5 million for Community Sports Infrastructure Loans, which will unlock up to $100 million to upgrade local facilities.
$15.4 million will upgrade key suburban sporting precincts, including Albert Park, Yarra Bend, Jells Park, Olinda Precinct and Ryan’s Reserve.
The State Sports Centre Trust will receive $13.7 million to support the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, State Netball and Hockey Centre, and Lakeside Stadium to encourage more Victorians to get active, and assist the Victorian Institute of Sport help more Victorians represent their country.
The Budget also provides $17.7 million for the Significant Sporting Events Program, which will fund more than 75 national and international sporting events every year – more than half of them in regional Victoria.
The Labor Government has also signed a $225 million deal with the AFL that will deliver a major redevelopment of the Etihad Stadium Precinct and guarantee the AFL Grand Final will stay at the MCG for the next 40 years, paving the way for a major redevelopment of the iconic ground.
The deal will also bring more footy to regional Victoria – with two matches in Ballarat every year for the next decade and at least eight matches in Geelong for the next 30 years – and see the Brownlow Medal ceremony in Victoria for the next 10 years.
$1 million will go towards business cases for the Whitten Oval Masterplan and Stage 2 of Eureka Stadium, as well as $200,000 for a masterplan for the State Basketball Centre.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“This is the biggest investment in community sport in Victoria’s history – upgrading local grounds, change rooms and pavilions so more Victorians have the facilities they need to play and watch the sport they love.”
“We wouldn’t be the sporting capital of Australia without the hard work of volunteers, players and fans that make our clubs tick every day – so this is for you.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020