Premier

More Stadiums, Events For Locals In The Sporting Capital

27 April 2016

The Andrews Labor Government will build new indoor sports stadiums, update local grounds and develop flagship venues all over Victoria.

Victoria is the sporting capital of Australia, with the highest sports participation sports rates in the country, and we want it to stay that way. The Victorian Budget 2016/17External Link includes a $60 million boost to grassroots and elite sports to make sure we do.

Indoor stadiums are at the heart of our suburbs and towns, and a hive of activity for more than 450,000 Victorians that play sports like basketball or netball. Demand for courts has outstripped supply, but we’re changing that.

The Budget includes $22 million for the Better Indoor Stadiums Fund, so that players can get on the court where they want, when they want.

Regional Victoria is home to some of the state’s top football and netball clubs – and our biggest stars – and they deserve top class facilities.

The Budget provides $8 million for the Country Football Netball Program, so that regional clubs can continue to build new facilities, install lights and complete ground or court resurfacing.

The big national and international sports meets keep local economies strong and give grassroots associations a chance to shine. The Budget provides an extra $2 million to continue the Significant Sporting Events Program, which secures more than 70 events for Melbourne and regional Victoria each year.

The Budget also includes $1.05 million for a new pavilion at Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve that the whole community can enjoy, because grassroots players deserve safe, modern facilities that they can be proud of, and clubs need function space to stage the important fundraisers that keep them thriving.

St Kilda Football Club played football at Moorabbin for decades, and the Budget provides $4 million for a badly-needed upgrade of the iconic venue, helping the Saints return to their roots and giving local leagues and the whole community a world-class facility for year-round use.

The Victorian Amateur Football Association is Australia’s largest amateur footy league. The Budget provides $3 million to transform Elsternwick Park into a state-of-the-art football hub. The flagship venue will become a home for the Old Melburnians Football Club, the VAFA Umpires Association and a new women’s league.

Simonds Stadium is regional Australia’s best venue, and Kardinia Park is Geelong’s heart and soul. The Budget provides $14 million for the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, securing the future of the precinct while helping deliver more world-class events for Geelong.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren

“There’s not enough court space in Victoria to meet the record demand for sports like basketball and netball.”

“We want to give every Victorian the safe, modern sporting facilities they deserve.”

“The big events and the star players inspire the youngsters, so we’re adding to our calendar of big sporting meets and bringing the stars of the game closer to our communities.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

Was this page helpful?