Deadline: 02-Dec-2025
The Local Sports Infrastructure Fund is now available to support the development of community sport and active recreation infrastructure projects across Victoria.
This initiative is designed to increase participation in physical activity by enhancing access to quality facilities, particularly for groups and communities who are currently underrepresented in sport and recreation.
Priority will be given to projects that provide the strongest participation outcomes, including support for existing participation. This includes groups that participate less in community sport and active recreation such as women and girls, Aboriginal Victorians, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people from LGBTIQA+ communities and economically disadvantaged communities, as identified in Active Victoria 2022–2026.
The program will also favour projects that support communities experiencing socio-economic disadvantage, particularly those located in suburbs and towns falling within the two most disadvantaged deciles in Victoria, based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage.
Communities in areas affected by natural disasters such as droughts, floods or bushfires, as well as those facing significant changes such as rapid population growth or economic challenges, are encouraged to apply. Projects demonstrating multi-use, shared and integrated facilities, including those located on school land, are also prioritised, provided they ensure long-term community access.
Further preference will be given to projects that provide confirmed active recreation benefits through improved facility availability, better scheduling, increased public access and development of supporting policies, especially in proposals that include lighting elements. Proposals that show economic benefits such as job creation during construction or operation, attraction of non-government investment or increased local event activity are also considered a priority.
Funding is available across three streams. Community Facilities projects can receive up to $500,000, Community Sports Lighting projects up to $250,000, and Planning projects up to $40,000.
To be eligible, applicants must ensure their funding request aligns with the appropriate stream and demonstrate that the infrastructure project can be completed within 24 months of signing a Grant Agreement with the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions. Only applications that meet all eligibility requirements will be considered for funding.
For more information, visit Victoria State Government.