A new report has revealed the impact of the Allan Labor Government's investment in infrastructure for grass roots sport clubs, with 70,000 more people taking part in sport across Victoria - boosting participation, local jobs and communities.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today launched the Community Sports Infrastructure 2024 Outcomes Statement - a Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV) report highlighting the impacts of more than 330 projects completed over the past two years funded by the Labor Government.
In the last two years alone, the more than 330 projects have increased participation by almost 43 per cent or more than 70,200 new participants, including a 19 per cent increase in girls playing sport.
That's more people of all ages and abilities swimming, playing soccer, netball, volleyball, skateboarding, cycling and more at a range of facilities from skate parks to netball courts, close to home.
It's not just participation that's booming, local economies have been boosted with more than 1,170 full-time jobs supported in the delivery of more than $538 million worth of infrastructure across Victoria.
The projects are part of more than $2.3 billion invested by the Labor Government into community sports infrastructure since 2014.
From upgrades to local swimming pools to new women and girls' change rooms, sports courts and fields, skate parks, pavilions and more, the results speak for themselves.
Partnerships with councils, sporting clubs, sporting organisations and schools have driven a range of health, social and economic benefits underpinned by the delivery of innovative and inclusive infrastructure.
One project was the redevelopment of the Diamond Valley Sport and Fitness Centre, delivered in partnership with Nillumbik Shire Council, and made possible by a $10.5 million Victorian Government investment. A year after the Centre re-opened in July 2022, participation increased more than 27 per cent.
A 24-hour gymnasium, additional courts and upgraded facilities have supported this increase with the Centre hosting a wide range of activities from junior basketball matches through to NBL1 fixtures.
A landmark report undertaken by KMPG for SRV in 2020 quantified the annual contribution of Victoria's community sports infrastructure to the economy to be at least $7 billion.
To find out more about the Community Sports Infrastructure 2024 Outcomes Statement visit www.sport.vic.gov.au
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"Victorians love their community sport, and this statement shows just how important grassroots venues are, providing facilities that deliver health, social, and economic benefits to local communities."
"We are continuing to upgrade and build sport infrastructure that is accessible, inclusive and improves the health and wellbeing of all Victorians."
