The Andrews Labor Government is backing sporting clubs, racing, and recreational activities across Victoria in a Budget bonanza that supports thousands of local jobs and delivers on our election commitments.
The Victorian Budget 2019/20 includes $593.2 million to improve community sports infrastructure, maintain our vibrant tourism sector, keep the racing industry strong, and support thousands of local fishers and boaties.
To boost participation and make local sports more accessible for our growing state, the Budget includes $175 million in Local Sports Grants for new and improved community sports infrastructure.
The Budget also includes $101 million to secure Victoria’s position as the basketball capital of Australia, which will see the redevelopment of the State Basketball Centre, a major upgrade at Melbourne Arena and the establishment of seven high performance hubs in metropolitan and regional locations.
As promised, there is $11.8 million for further improvements at Mars Stadium and the Ballarat Sport and Events Centre, while $1 million will be provided towards designs for the Western Bulldogs’ Whitten Oval master plan. Stage five of Kardinia Park’s redevelopment can also kick off, with $2.3 million for planning.
The Budget also delivers on a range of other election commitments including:
- $21.6 million to upgrade community soccer facilities to meet increasing demand across Victoria
- $13.5 million to develop up to six new cricket and community centres and continue the Cricket Facilities grants program
- $7.5 million to support golf around Victoria, including stage two of the ‘Home of Golf’ at Sandringham
- $7.4 million to improve infrastructure and boost participation and diversity in community motor sport
- $2.8 million for Netball Victoria to employ four regional game development officers
- $8 million for the shooting facilities program.
In a major win for fishers and boaties the Budget establishes the Better Boating Fund, as well as providing $47.2 million to work with local councils and land managers to abolish boat ramp parking and launching fees, upgrade boating infrastructure and boost safety across the state.
Stage two of the Target One Million plan will start with a $35 million investment that will continue supporting recreational fishing by boosting fish stocks, ending commercial fishing in Gippsland Lakes to give it back to recreational fishers and building a new native fish hatchery near Shepparton.
The Budget delivers a $72 million boost for local racing infrastructure and events, as well as $40 million to increase prizemoney – ensuring Victoria continues to host high profile events that attract investment, support thousands of local jobs, and help grow the sector.
The Labor Government is also growing our visitor economy, which supports almost 215,000 Victorian jobs, with a $36 million investment – including $3.9 million to complete the final stage of the Yarra Valley Railway and $200,000 towards the creation of festivals and events in Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events and Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“This vital funding helps support thousands of jobs, will grow our tourism industry and support sport, recreation and racing at every level.”
“We promised to boost local sport – from AFL to soccer, and basketball to cricket – and that’s what we’re doing.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Jaala Pulford
“We want to see even more Victorians out on the water, casting a line and enjoying all the fun of boating and fishing – and that’s what our investments are all about.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020