Funding Boost for Victorian Sport Facilities

The Victorian Government has announced $434.3 million in funding for elite and grassroots sport facilities.
Victorian Sports Minister James Merlino believes that the funding will ensure Melbourne communities remain strong, healthy and active while seeing the city will continue to attract world-class sporting events.
In addition to funding the $363 million transformation of Melbourne Park other commitments in the 2010 Victorian State Budget included:
⢠$14 million over two years for the continuation of the Community Facility Funding Program to increase access and participation in community sport by revitalising suburban sports facilities;
⢠$12.7 million for the purchase of land and the design of a new multi-discipline State Shooting Centre;
⢠$2 million over two years for sporting, community and event organisations to assist in the delivery of significant sporting events that lift the profile and capacity of their sports from the grassroots to elite and provide economic opportunities;
⢠$1.7 million over three years towards a $4.2 million program to develop two new football and dance programs to close the gap in educational outcomes for Koori students and help them develop life skills;
⢠$750,000 for the continuation of the successful Premierâs Active Families Challenge; and
⢠$1.8 million for the Healthy and Active Children and Families program.
Minister Merlino explained that the new State Shooting Centre will cater for international level pistol, shotgun and rifle shooting and house indoor and outdoor ranges, skeet grounds, a gymnasium and administration and other function facilities.
âFrom community clubs to the Olympics, shooting is a sport that attracts a large number of participants taking part in a range of disciplines.
âHowever, urban growth is encroaching on Victoriaâs existing facilities and those which survive are outdated and only cater for certain disciplines, restricting their ability to host events.
âThe new State Shooting Centre will have superior facilities for training and coaching, and increase Victoriaâs chances of attracting national and international competitions."
Minister Merlino said the Brumby Labor Government had provided $36 million for a refurbishment of the Great Southern Stand at the MCG and a major upgrade of the nearby Yarra Park.
The Budget also provides $4 million over two years for the Sustainable Sports Grounds Program, to help grassroots sporting clubs through the drought and to adapt to climate change.
The program will cater for water saving or re-use projects including water recycling and run-off harvesting, drought resistant turf and the installation of pool blankets. It will also provide funds for synthetic playing surfaces in sports such as hockey, rugby, lawn bowls and tennis.
The Melbourne Park redevelopment commenced at the beginning of May and is detailed at

https://www.ausleisure.com.au/default.asp?PageID=2&Display=True&ReleaseID=2310