The Victorian Government is helping communities build and transform sports facilities, including female friendly change rooms, to encourage more participation and healthier lifestyles across the state.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced applications are now open for the 2021-22 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.

The fund will invest up to $27 million for new and improved sports facilities across Victoria, with a focus on providing facilities to encourage participation among women and girls.

As sporting clubs, leagues and associations chart their path to reopening, the Government investment in infrastructure will help stimulate local economies while encouraging people to stay active and healthy.

The Fund supports projects across five dedicated streams: Indoor Stadiums/Aquatic Centres, Female Friendly Facilities, Community Sports Lighting, Community Facilities, and Planning.

The grant amount available to develop female friendly facilities has increased to up to $800,000 to support more women and girls getting involved in community sport. The planning stream will support councils in developing projects to meet the changing needs of their communities.

The most recent round of the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund provided funding to 73 projects, including $2 million towards the Yarrawonga Multisport Stadium that will deliver two new multi-sport indoor courts and $480,000 for a new female friendly pavilion at Deep Creek Reserve in Doncaster, home of the Doncaster Baseball Club.

These grants are part of $1.1 billion invested by the Government in community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014.

A report by KPMG commissioned by Sport and Recreation Victoria last year put an annual value of $7 billion on the economic, social and health benefits of community sport and active recreation infrastructure in Victoria.

Clubs are advised to contact their local council to help with the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund application process. For more information or to apply online, visit sport.vic.gov.au.