Community organisations in Northern Victoria Region are being urged to work with their local councils to apply for funding to improve local sport and recreation facilities.
The Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad said applications for the 2010-2011 round of the Community Facility Funding Program (CFFP) were now open.
“These grants are a chance for local Council, local people and community organisations to take stock of the sporting facilities in their area and identify what could be improved,” Ms Broad said.
“Local sports clubs are often a focal point of a community – offering a place where social activities are as much on the agenda as sport.
“The CFFP offers a chance for local councils and community organisations to work together to upgrade or improve current facilities, which encourage people to become active and involved in their community,”she said.
The CFFP helps provide high quality, accessible community sport and recreation facilities. The program assists Councils to develop new or upgrade existing community sport and recreation facilities across Victoria. The CFFP aims to increase participation and improve access for the community so they can reap the benefits of healthy and active involvement in sport and recreation. The 2010-2011 CFFP categories include:
- Planning – Grants of up to $30,000 for recreation facility planning or feasibility studies
- Minor Facilities – Grants of up to $60,000 to develop and upgrade community sport and recreation facilities
- Major Facilities – Grants of up to $500,000 for the development of major sport and recreation facilities
- Aquatic Access/Better Pools – Grants of up to $2.5 million to provide quality aquatic leisure facilities
- Seasonal Pool Renewal – Grants of up to $200,000 to rejuvenate seasonal swimming pools in rural and regional communities, and in the interface Councils
Ms Broad said the Brumby Labor Government was proud of its strong investment in community sporting facilities.
“Grassroots sport is at the heart of community life in Victoria and our local pools, clubs and facilities provide gathering places where people can swim, play, exercise, socialise, volunteer and be part of their community,” Ms Broad said.
“These grants are just one way we’re working with local councils to deliver quality sporting facilities that encourage local people – whatever their age or ability – to get active.
“By opening up opportunities to enjoy active sport and recreation we can positively influence people’s health and enjoyment of life and this supports the Government’s ‘Go for your life’ strategy for a healthy and more active Victoria,” Ms Broad ] said.
Guidelines and application forms are available online at www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au.