The Andrews Labor Government is supporting sports shooting clubs to nurture local talents and attract big events.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced applications are now open for the latest $4 million round of the Shooting Sports Facilities Program.
Eligible sports shooting clubs and associations can apply for grants of up to $300,000 for various works including improving safety at ranges, developing secure storage, purchasing equipment, environmental protection works and upgrades to boost participation.
Previous recipients include Oakleigh Pistol Club which received $300,000 to increase safety at their ranges, SSAA Big Game Rifle Club which received $165,000 to install a safety wall and Yackandandah Pistol Club secured more than $43,000 to install bullet traps to reduce the environmental impact at the site.
Since 2014, more than 260 projects have received funding from the Shooting Sports Facilities Program, with this latest round of funding bringing the total to $21.48 million.
From Olympic gold medalists Russell Mark and Catherine Skinner to Commonwealth Gold trap shooter Laetisha Scanlan, sports shooting clubs in Victoria have a strong history of supporting local talents to make it on the world stage.
For more information about the program visit sport.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"Sports shooting clubs allow people to safely get into the sport and make new friends along the way."
"We're backing local sports shooting clubs to upgrade their facilities to help boost participationand provide pathways from the grassroots level to elite competition."
As stated by Oakleigh Pistol Club Vice President Derek Marchetti
"This funding enabled our club to extend our lease by 21 years, providing security of tenure."
"Thanks to the Government we can now build a bigger and better sporting facility to benefit club members and the community into the future."