Olympic Park in Heidelberg will share in the biggest investment in women's and community sport in Victoria's history thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Sport John Eren joined Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines today to announce $2 million to transform the park – home of the Heidelberg United Football Club.
The project will deliver new sports fields, lighting and a synthetic pitch – giving clubs greater flexibility to train all-year round.
The upgrade will also include recreational facilities that benefit the wider community such as playgrounds, shared paths, fitness circuits and an Aboriginal spiritual walk and gathering place.
The site was a training base for the 1956 Olympic Games and this project is part of the master plan developed by Banyule City Council, who are also helping fund the project with Heidelberg United.
When it comes to football, participation is booming with more than 350,000 Victorians playing the world game.
That’s why the Labor Government is helping local football clubs improve their facilities and encouraging more locals to play with the new $2.5 million The World Game Facilities Fund.
The dedicated fund will allow football clubs and organisations to apply for support to deliver projects such as new lighting, pitch upgrades and building female-friendly change rooms.
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.
The budget also includes $10 million to build the Melbourne Victory Football Academy in Footscray Park, providing a home for the Victory W-League team and juniors.
The Labor Government has already invested more than $33 million towards upgrading facilities and delivering programs that support football across the state.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“This historic ground has brought people together for decades – now we’re proud to deliver the work it needs to make these clubs more competitive and successful.”
“The transformation of Olympic Park is a big win for the entire community, providing the facilities local players, volunteers and fans deserve.”
Quote attributable to Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines
“This upgrade will provide the dedicated facilities our clubs need to train, compete, attract new members and reduce operating costs.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020