Budget Provides for Leisure

The Australian Government has stated that its 2008-09 Budget "delivers on the Australian Government's commitment to increase the number of healthy and active Australians and continue to assist talented athletes achieve national and international excellence."
The Budget delivers on the Rudd Government's commitment to increase the number of healthy and active Australians and continue to assist talented athletes achieve national and international excellence.
According to Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, "investment in sport and recreation is an investment in the health and wellbeing of the nation," adding that "the Budget delivers improved facilities and opportunities for local sports that will encourage more Australians to participate in active sport and recreation."
Among the budget announcements, Australia's cricketers and footballers will benefit from the Government commitment to elite sport - with $17.5 million to redevelop the Cricket Centre of Excellence at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane. The Football Federation of Australia will receive $32 million over four years to promote participation in and support for football in Australia, including supporting a televised national women's league, and facilitate Australia's participation in the Asian Football Confederation and other international events.
An allocation of $22.8 million over five years to the Australian Paralympic Committee will support talent identification and athlete preparation for future Paralympic Games, in particular the 2010 Winter and 2012 Summer Paralympics Games.
The Rudd Government will also provide $2.5 million over five years to enable AFL Northern Territory Ltd (AFLNT) to enter a team in a state-based league, starting in the 2009 season.
Sport plays a major role in strengthening and building communities. A National RecLink program to improve the lives and opportunities of Australians suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, social disconnection and homelessness will receive $2.3 million.
The 2011 World Sailing Championships will receive $8.6 million over four years to help Western Australia stage the event. The 2009 World Masters Games in Sydney will receive $8.5 million to help the NSW Government with organisation. The event is expected to attract 30,000 competitors and 25,000 accompanying family and friends, generating significant economic benefits for Australia.
The Government will also invest $20.1 million over four years to implement a model framework and code of conduct for national sporting organisations to address the issue of illicit drug use by athletes. The code of conduct will be supported with testing and education programs for the non-professional sports.
Almost $21 million will be allocated to 91 separate community projects over two years from 2008-09 to provide a wide range of sporting and recreational opportunities to Australian families. The funding implements commitments made during the 2007 Federal election.
These projects include the establishment and redevelopment of community sport and recreation facilities, club and oval upgrades and provision of sporting equipment, cycle paths and walkways.
In addition the Rudd Government will allocate funds to develop the following major sports stadiums and facilities:
* $5 million to help establish a Penrith Valley sports hub in Sydney's outer west;
* $5 million to assist the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide Football Clubs in the development of community facilities;
* $10 million to help redevelop Energy Australia Stadium in Newcastle, home of the Newcastle Knights League team and Jets A-League team;
* $8 million towards the upgrade of Campbelltown Sports Stadium in Western Sydney, a home ground to the Wests Tigers Rugby League team.