The Andrews Labor Government will help communities provide more opportunities for people to participate in sport and active recreation through a new $22 million Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today announced that applications for the fund’s inaugural round were open.

Councils and Alpine Resort Boards can apply for grant opportunities across five streams: Aquatic Centres and Indoor Stadiums, Strategic Facilities, Female Friendly Facilities, Community Facilities and Planning.

The new $22 million program will provide high-quality, female friendly, safe and accessible facilities to ensure all Victorians can enjoy the benefits of participating in sport and active recreation.

Eligible projects include aquatic centre upgrades, sports grounds and pavilion developments, new sport surfaces, lighting installations, strategic and regional planning, and active recreation facilities such as play spaces and recreation trails.

The Labor Government is committed to increasing women and girls’ participation with grants of up to $500,000 available for female-friendly projects.

The fund is part of an $850 million Government investment in community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014, providing better health, wellbeing, social and economic outcomes for Victorian communities.

Interested clubs should discuss project proposals with their local council, with applications closing on 14 February 2020. For more information, visit sport.vic.gov.au.