NSW Budget backs sport and recreation infrastructure

The NSW Government will invest over $138 million in key sport and recreational infrastructure, athlete grant programs and Special Olympics.

Explaining funding provisions from the NSW Budget, NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley, said the 2013/14 Budget demonstrated a continuing focus on funding programs for facilities, participation and infrastructure maintenance.

Minister Annesley stated "importantly, the Government remains committed to supporting grassroots sport and recreational organizations to help the people of NSW stay active, healthy and engaged with their community.

"Grant programs include funding to assist with the upgrade and construction of new local sports facilities, as well as international, national and regional sporting events which bring business, tourism and jobs to communities across NSW.

"The Sydney Cricket Ground Trust will receive a further $21.8 million to continue work on revitalising this historic world-class stadium.

"Sport and Recreation will receive $8.4 million in capital works funding, largely focused on ensuring Sport and Recreation Centres are adequately maintained and able to offer high-quality facilities to the many schools, organisations and families who enjoy the Centres across the state."

Other key programs funded include:

$1.5 million to the network of 10 Regional Academies of Sport;

$2 million to assist facility upgrades at surf lifesaving clubs along the NSW coastline;

Nearly $200,000 for the Special Olympics Australia Asia Pacific Regional Games to be held in Newcastle later this year;

$250,000 for The Bradman Foundation International Cricket Hall of Fame at Bowral.

Minister Annesley said the impact sport and recreational activity can have on people's lives go well beyond the obvious health benefits, adding "nearly 5 million people in NSW participated regularly in sport or recreational in 2011/12 with work continuing to remove barriers and encourage more and more people to get involved on a regular basis in the year ahead."