MORE participation and jobs have been the feedback received in a new report into the investment made to infrastructure for grass roots sport clubs.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence 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, 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.
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.
Ms Spence says the report shows how much importance has been placed into sporting clubs across the state.
“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,” she said.
“We are continuing to upgrade and build sport infrastructure that is accessible, inclusive and improves the health and wellbeing of all Victorians.”
