Local clubs across Victoria will benefit from the biggest boost to community sport in the state’s history, in new investments that will also see the MCG, the Etihad Stadium Precinct and the State Netball and Hockey Centre redeveloped, and the AFL Grand Final stay in Victoria for the next 40 years.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Sport John Eren today announced almost half a billion-dollars for the future of sport in Melbourne and across regional Victoria – from grassroots clubs to the state’s biggest venues.
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.
It includes $64.6 million for a major upgrade to the State Netball and Hockey Centre, and tens of millions of dollars in better infrastructure for women’s sport – from local changerooms to elite facilities – including:
- $20 million to redevelop Ikon Park into the home of women’s football
- $15 million for the Female Friendly Facilities Fund to boost 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
- $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
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.
It also provides $15.4 million to go towards upgrades at Albert Park, Yarra Bend and other key suburban sporting precincts, as well as $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 Sporting and Entertainment Precinct and guarantee the AFL Grand Final will stay at the MCG until at least 2057.
The long-term security of keeping the Grand Final at the MCG will enable a major redevelopment of the stadium.
The deal will keep the Brownlow Medal ceremony in Victoria for the next decade, and fund and deliver a better deal for clubs and fans.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“Whether you’re a fan, a player or both – this is for you.”
“It’s the biggest investment in community sport in Victoria’s history – upgrading local grounds, change rooms and pavilions so everyone has the facilities they need to play and watch the sport they love.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“Victoria is the sporting capital of Australia – this investment will make sure it stays that way.”
“We’re redeveloping our biggest sporting precincts in Melbourne and across regional Victoria to keep the best events right here where they belong.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020