A new report from the Victorian Government has outlined the impacts of more than 330 Government-funded community sports projects completed over the past two years.
Minister for Community Sport, Ros Spence, today launched the Community Sports Infrastructure 2024 Outcomes Statement – a Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV) report.
The report states that in the last two years, more than 330 projects have increased participation by almost 43% or more than 70,200 new participants, including a 19% increase in girls playing sport.
It also found that local economies have been boosted with more than 1,170 full-time jobs supported in the delivery of more than $538 million worth of infrastructure across Victoria.
“Victorians love their community sport, and this statement shows just how important grassroots venues are, providing facilities that deliver health, social, and economic benefits to local communities,” said Minister Bates.
“We are continuing to upgrade and build sport infrastructure that is accessible, inclusive and improves the health and wellbeing of all Victorians.”
The Minister said partnerships with councils, sporting clubs, sporting organisations and schools have driven a range of health, social and economic benefits underpinned by the delivery of innovative and inclusive infrastructure.
One project was the redevelopment of the Diamond Valley Sport and Fitness Centre (pictured), delivered in partnership with Nillumbik Shire Council, and made possible by a $10.5 million Victorian Government investment. A year after the Centre re-opened in July 2022, participation increased more than 27%, the report stated.
A 24-hour gymnasium, additional courts and upgraded facilities have supported this increase with the Centre hosting a wide range of activities from junior basketball matches through to NBL1 fixtures.
A landmark report undertaken by KMPG for SRV in 2020 quantified the annual contribution of Victoria’s community sports infrastructure to the economy to be at least $7 billion.
To find out more about the Community Sports Infrastructure 2024 Outcomes Statement visit www.sport.vic.gov.au.
