Are you involved a group who is looking to build, upgrade local community sports and activities infrastructure? If the answer is yes then you can apply for grants of up to $500,000 as part of for a national $29.7 million program aimed at upgrading community sport infrastructure.
Sport Australia, the Australian government’s lead agency for sport and physical activity, has released The Value of Community Sport Infrastructure that demonstrates that ‘Community sport infrastructure generates more than $16.2 billion worth of social, health and economic benefits each year’.
The report shows the impact and value of community sport infrastructure extends far beyond the cost of the facilities and delivers:
• $6.3 billion worth of economic benefits, including construction, maintenance and operation
• $5.1 billion of social benefits, including community cohesion and mental wellbeing, and;
• $4.9 billion worth of health benefits due to promoting physical activity.
Sport Australia CEO Kate Palmer said The Value of Community Sport Infrastructure report showed the broader impact this investment would have.
‘Community sport infrastructure is an investment in healthier, happier communities and the value of these spaces is much more than just a place to play sport,’ Palmer said.
‘These facilities provide opportunities to inspire physical activity, supporting health and wellbeing, but they also serve as community hubs for broader activity. These facilities draw communities together for a broad range of events, enhancing social connectedness and community pride.’
‘One of Sport Australia’s main priorities is to encourage more Australians to move more, so safe and inclusiveness of community sporting environments are essential.’
Nationals senator for New South Wales John Williams said sporting and community groups should consider projects that would help build participation in physical activity, community partnerships and inclusiveness.
‘Sporting facilities are vital for inspiring physical activity and health, and also for building community spirit and pride,’ senator Williams said.
The program will be managed by Sport Australia, the Australian Government’s leading agency for sport and physical activity.
Applications will remain open until September 14 and more information on the Community Sport Infrastructure grant program.
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