Four-year funding program for Adelaide Aquatic Centre among sport investments in South Australian budget

The new South Australian Government’s budget has included financial provision for the rebuilding of the Adelaide Aquatic Centre along with funding for Sport SA and other peak bodies.

The 2022/23 state budget includes a “significant investment to take ownership, rebuild and operate the Adelaide Aquatic Centre following a community consultation into the site for the new centre”

The project is allocated $82.4 million over four years, with other measures including:

• Providing grants for infrastructure and facility upgrades to sporting clubs ($84.5 million in 2021/22)

• Funding a range of community infrastructure projects ($68.1 million over four years)

• Developing female facilities at local sporting clubs to encourage more girls and women to become involved in sport ($13.2 million in 2021/22)

• Providing $1 million per annum to Sport SA and $1.5 million per annum in grant funding to be shared between peak state sporting bodies for administration of the sport and for assistance in hosting state and national championships ($10 million over four years)

Commenting on the funding, South Australian Treasurer, Stephen Mullighan stated “the needs and wants of South Australia’s community and sporting groups are important to the (South Australia) Government.

“Ensuring funding was spread across all areas of the community was a key State Budget consideration. Developing infrastructure and enabling sporting clubs to upgrade facilities will encourage greater community involvement across the state.”

South Australian Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing, Katrine Hildyard added “we have honoured commitments made to thousands of South Australians involved with sport and recreation who advocated for the needs of their sport.

Sport and recreation is powerful … participation improves people’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and it includes and brings people together and gives many a sense of belonging.

“More than ever over the past couple of years, clubs across our state have been a lifeline for many.

“Allocating funds for female facilities is designed to encourage more girls and women to equally and actively participate in the sport they love. Being serious about backing girls and women in sport, means providing them with the facilities they need.”

Image: The 2019 concept for a redeveloped Adelaide Aquatic Centre.