Stakeholders seek Government stimulus support for privately operated sports centres

An online petition directed to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, is calling for ‘Government Stimulus to Save the Indoor Sports Industry in Australia’.

The petition, at Change.org, was started by Brett Moore, Director of National Indoor Sports facilities at St Marys and Campbelltown, in Western Sydney.

Highlighting that “indoor sports centres across Australia have been an institution for decades”, it advises “with the outbreak of COVID-19 and the restrictions that have followed, the industry is facing total devastation.

“We are appealing to our Federal Government for a stimulus measure to assist in the rental requirements of Indoor Sports stadiums.

“Our rent is our largest fixed cost and there is no landlord or insurance provision that will protect our industry from this disaster.

“There are approximately 134 indoor sports stadiums across Australia, all of which are essentially closed, or trading at heavily reduced levels as a result of the Government restrictions around COVID-19. A stimulus package aimed at assisting these centres with their rental costs will save an industry built upon community and small business, an industry that employs the youth of our nation and keeps families together with regular sporting activities and community gatherings.

“The Indoor Sports industry is facing its greatest ever test, and we need assistance to come out the other side. Government intervention is our only hope.”

Click here to view the petition.