The Andrews Labor Government will upgrade local grounds, changerooms and elite facilities across Victoria as part of the biggest investment in women’s and community sport in the state’s history.
Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Sport John Eren at the State Netball and Hockey Centre today, which will get a $64.6 million upgrade as part of a nearly half-a-billion-dollar boost to sport across Victoria.
The upgrade will cement Parkville as the home for netball and hockey in Australia with six new indoor netball courts, a new indoor hockey facility, a high-performance strength and conditioning gym and a home for Netball Victoria and Hockey Victoria.
The redevelopment will also establish the Change our Game Sport Leadership Centre, which will kick start initiatives to drive cultural change and grow female leadership in sport.
The Victorian Budget 2018/19 invests $241.6 million in community sport, including more than $100 million to improve facilities and access for women.
More and more women are participating in sport every year and they deserve access to top-quality facilities. This funding includes the revamp of the State Hockey and Netball Centre, as well as:
- $20 million to redevelop Ikon Park into the home of women’s football
- A further $15 million for the Female Friendly Facilities Fund
- $13 million for Stage 2 of the Moorabbin Oval redevelopment, to build a range of community facilities and deliver upgrades that will enable the Saints AFLW team to play there from 2020
- $10 million to improve playing conditions at Casey Fields and Whitten Oval for AFLW competition
- $2 million for infrastructure upgrades for AFLW at Victoria Park
$15.4 million will upgrade key suburban sporting precincts, including Albert Park, Yarra Bend, Jells Park, Olinda Precinct and Ryan’s Reserve.
The Budget also provides $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.
$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.
The Labor Government also announced a $225 million deal with the AFL that will deliver a major redevelopment of Etihad Stadium Sports and Entertainment Precinct and guarantee the AFL Grand Final will be held at the MCG until 2057.
The deal will bring more footy to regional Victoria, keep the Brownlow Medal ceremony in Victoria for the next decade and deliver a better deal for clubs and fans.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“This is the biggest investment in women’s and community sport in Victoria’s history – upgrading local grounds, changerooms and facilities across the state.”
“Women have been making do with substandard facilities to play the sports they love for far too long – that ends today.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“We’re backing women’s sport at every level – from the grass roots clubs to elite football and netball.”
“Whether you play sport for a living or just for fun – we’re investing in the facilities Victorian’s need to get involved, get active and win.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020