AFL Canberra welcomes ACT Government Sport Funding

AFL Canberra has welcomed the ACT Government's funding and relief equivalent to $3.3 million for Canberra's sports sector to help the sector to endure the challenges of COVID-19.

The relief package for ACT Sport and Recreation was recently announced by ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry and the ACT Government and is aimed at helping sporting organisations meet their costs and assist the sport and recreation sector to return in a strong position.

The government is also waiving sportsground hire fees in addition to the government's decision to waive rent for use of government properties and schools.

AFL NSW/ACT Acting Chief Executive, Tiffany Robertson advises “the support package will greatly assist AFL Canberra and our local clubs to navigate the unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Sport has a unique ability to bring people together, embrace diversity and empower communities to lead active and healthy lifestyles.

“Our code is being challenged like never before and local communities are missing the significant benefits that our local clubs provide to all.

“This package and the ongoing support from the ACT Government will help us survive and ensure footy starts again soon once it is safe to do so.”

The ACT Government will provide an immediate financial injection of $700,000 across ACT peak sport and recreation bodies as well as enable early access to approximately $1.5 million through the 2021 Sport and Recreation Grants Program for the 28 triennially funded organisations.

The ACT Government has been working with the sector to identify building projects and smaller capital works projects that can be funded quickly by bringing forward the 2021 Sport and Recreation Grants Program.

Government sportsground hire fees will be waived for the winter season and for existing bookings from mid-March, estimated at $616,000. This is in addition to a six-month waiver of rent and hire fees for community groups using ACT Government properties, which had already provided an $80,000 rental reduction for relevant sporting organisations.

Recovery of all outstanding invoice payments due for ACT Government sportsground hire fees has also been suspended.

The ACT Government has already provided significant economic support for eligible businesses, such as sporting organisations, that includes electricity rebates, licencing fee waivers, commercial rates rebates and payroll tax waivers.

This package will help the sector to return to a strong position possible and allow Canberran's to re-engage in sport and active recreation when the situation allows for it.

For a full list of the economic survival measures provided by the ACT Government, visit www.covid19.act.gov.au.

Image: AFL Canberra welcomes the relief package for ACT Sport and Recreation announced by ACT Education Minister Berry. Image courtesy of AFL Canberra