New sport infrastructure grants to support macedon

The Victorian Government is helping Macedon communities transform sports venues, build female friendly change facilities and active recreation infrastructure through a new round of grant opportunities.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas today announced that applications are now open for the 2022 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund – backed by up to $30 million from the recent state budget.

The Fund helps communities by investing in new and improved sport facilities across the state, with $10 million dedicated to female friendly facilities to ensure more women and girls get involved in community sport.

With overwhelming demand for shovel-ready community sports infrastructure across Victoria, the fund supports projects across five funding streams including Indoor Stadiums/Aquatic Facilities, Female Friendly Facilities, Community Sports Lighting, Community Facilities, and Planning.

Projects in Macedon to receive grants from the 2021-22 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund include $245,000 for the Gisborne Bowling Club towards a new synthetic green to allow year round use and increase participation and $30,000 for the Macedon Ranges Community Equestrian Facilities Plan, this will provide long term direction for sustainable management of the MRSC’s seven community equestrian facilities.

The fund is part of a $1.2 billion investment made by the government in community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014.

The fund also helps generate economic activity and hundreds of jobs for planners, architects, engineers, project managers, buildings, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, maintenance staff, facility managers and operational personnel. Sourcing local materials will also enable many more Victorian businesses to thrive in these uncertain times.

Interested clubs are advised to contact their local councils to help with the application process. For more information or to apply online visit sport.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
"Sport and active recreation is the heart and soul of Macedon. Unfortunately, many clubs and communities are struggling with run down infrastructure."

"With more and more women and girls signing up to play sports locally, we are getting on with upgrading infrastructure so clubs can keep up with soaring demand, while also making them accessible and more inclusive."

"I urge councils and sporting organisations to partner and apply for projects that will make a real difference to the lives of Victorians."