The Andrews Labor Government is helping communities transform sports facilities, build female friendly change rooms and light up more sports fields through new Local Sports Infrastructure Fund grants.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence announced today that applications are now open for the 2021 round of the fund, which will invest up to $22 million for projects that develop local sports infrastructure.

The fund is part of the $1.05 billion invested by the Labor Government in community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014.

The funding will boost wellbeing and support participation in disadvantaged communities and underrepresented groups through the development of high-quality, accessible sport and active recreation infrastructure.

Projects to receive grants from the previous round of the fund include $500,000 towards a multi-use, female friendly pavilion at Trafalgar Recreation Precinct and $250,000 towards new lighting at Rieschiecks Reserve in Doncaster East.

There are a range of grant opportunities across five funding streams: Better Indoor Stadiums, Female Friendly Facilities, Community Sports Lighting, Facilities for Active Seniors, and Scoreboards and Fixed Infrastructure.

A KPMG report commissioned by Sport and Recreation Victoria calculated the economic benefits of community sport infrastructure at more than $7 billion annually.

The report is the first ever comprehensive investigation into the economic, health and social impacts of community sport and recreation infrastructure in the state and highlights investments like the $22 million in this next round of the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund delivers great return on investment.

Sport is an integral part of Victorian communities, contributing $9.2 billion overall to the Victorian economy and supporting more than 71,000 equivalent-full-time jobs.

By providing the perfect setting for communities to come together, connect, volunteer and learn, the report highlights the $2.6 billion in social benefits community sport and active recreation infrastructure delivers Victoria.

The 2021 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund also helps generate economic activity and hundreds of jobs during and after construction.

Interested clubs are advised to contact their local council or alpine resort board to assist with the application process. For more information or to apply, visit sport.vic.gov.au.