Apply for Local Sports Infrastructure Fund 2026–27 (Australia)

The Local Sports Infrastructure Fund supports the development and upgrade of community sport and active recreation infrastructure across Victoria. The program provides grants of up to $500,000 to eligible applicants for community facilities, sports lighting, and infrastructure planning projects that improve participation, accessibility, and long-term community wellbeing.

What is the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund?

The Local Sports Infrastructure Fund is a Victorian Government funding program that helps develop high-quality, accessible, and sustainable community sport and active recreation infrastructure.

The program encourages projects that increase participation in sport, particularly among communities that traditionally participate less. It also promotes partnerships between government agencies, local councils, sporting organisations, educational institutions, and community groups to deliver infrastructure that benefits local communities.

Program Objectives

The Local Sports Infrastructure Fund aims to:

Increase participation in community sport and active recreation.
Improve access to quality sporting infrastructure for underrepresented communities.
Support the development and upgrade of community sports facilities.
Encourage partnerships between the Victorian Government, Local Government Authorities, Alpine Resorts Victoria, sporting organisations, schools, and community groups.
Promote inclusive, accessible, and sustainable infrastructure development.
Apply an outcomes-led approach to planning, designing, developing, and managing sports infrastructure.

Funding Streams

The fund is delivered through three separate funding streams.

Community Facilities

This funding stream supports the construction, redevelopment, expansion, or upgrade of community sporting facilities that improve participation and accessibility.

Examples of eligible projects include:

Sports pavilions
Recreation centres
Change rooms
Accessible amenities
Multi-purpose sporting facilities
Facility upgrades and renovations

Maximum funding available: Up to $500,000 per applicant.

Community Sports Lighting

This stream supports the installation or upgrade of sports lighting that allows facilities to be used safely for training and competition during extended hours.

Examples include:

LED sports lighting
Lighting upgrades
Energy-efficient lighting systems
Improved field illumination

Maximum funding available: Up to $250,000 per applicant.

Planning

The Planning stream assists organisations with preparing future infrastructure projects through planning and technical studies.

Funding may support:

Master plans
Feasibility studies
Strategic planning
Concept designs
Site investigations
Infrastructure planning documents

Maximum funding available: Up to $40,000 per applicant.

Grant Amount

The maximum grant available depends on the selected funding stream:

Community Facilities: Up to $500,000
Community Sports Lighting: Up to $250,000
Planning: Up to $40,000

Applicants should apply under the funding stream that best matches their proposed project.

Who Is Eligible?

The following organisations are eligible to apply directly:

Victorian Local Government Authorities
Alpine Resorts Victoria

Victorian Local Government Authorities must also have an acceptable Gender Equitable Access and Use Policy, or an equivalent policy, in place to qualify for funding.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following applicants cannot apply directly:

Sport and recreation clubs
Sporting associations
Sporting leagues
Schools
Universities and other educational institutions
Not-for-profit community organisations
Businesses
Individuals

These organisations may still participate by partnering with an eligible applicant.

Partnership Opportunities

Although many organisations cannot submit applications directly, they are encouraged to collaborate with eligible applicants.

Potential project partners include:

Community sporting clubs
Committees of management
Schools and educational institutions
Community organisations
Sporting associations
Recreation groups

Interested organisations should contact their Local Government Authority or Alpine Resorts Victoria to discuss partnership opportunities.

Why This Fund Matters

High-quality community sports infrastructure helps create healthier, more active, and inclusive communities.

This fund supports projects that:

Increase participation in sport and recreation.
Improve access for women, girls, people with disabilities, and underrepresented communities.
Enhance community health and wellbeing.
Improve safety and accessibility at sporting venues.
Encourage sustainable infrastructure development.
Strengthen community connections through sport.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Verify that your organisation is eligible and meets all program requirements, including policy requirements where applicable.

Step 2: Identify the Appropriate Funding Stream

Determine whether your project fits under:

Community Facilities
Community Sports Lighting
Planning

Step 3: Consult Sport and Recreation Victoria

Applicants must discuss their proposed project with their Sport and Recreation Victoria representative to confirm:

Eligibility
Project suitability
Alignment with funding objectives
Compliance with program requirements

Step 4: Prepare the Application

Develop a comprehensive application that includes:

Project description
Budget
Supporting documentation
Project timeline
Evidence of community need
Partnership information, if applicable

Step 5: Submit the Application

Submit the completed application according to the program guidelines and funding timeline.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

Demonstrating clear community demand.
Showing long-term benefits for local residents.
Explaining how the project will improve participation.
Including realistic budgets and timelines.
Highlighting accessibility and inclusion outcomes.
Building partnerships with local sporting organisations and community groups.
Ensuring all required documentation is complete.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

Applying without meeting eligibility requirements.
Selecting the wrong funding stream.
Failing to consult Sport and Recreation Victoria before applying.
Submitting incomplete supporting documents.
Providing unrealistic budgets or timelines.
Not demonstrating community need or expected outcomes.
Omitting required organisational policies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund?

Only Victorian Local Government Authorities and Alpine Resorts Victoria are eligible to submit applications directly.

How much funding is available?

Funding is available up to:

$500,000 for Community Facilities.
$250,000 for Community Sports Lighting.
$40,000 for Planning projects.

Can sporting clubs apply directly?

No. Sporting clubs, schools, community organisations, businesses, and individuals cannot apply directly but may participate as project partners.

Is consultation required before submitting an application?

Yes. Eligible applicants must discuss their proposed project with a Sport and Recreation Victoria representative before applying.

What types of projects are supported?

The fund supports community sports facility upgrades, sports lighting improvements, and planning activities that prepare future infrastructure projects.

Why is the Gender Equitable Access and Use Policy important?

Eligible Victorian Local Government Authorities must have this policy, or an equivalent, to demonstrate their commitment to equitable and inclusive access to community sporting facilities.

How can community organisations become involved?

Community organisations, sporting clubs, and schools can partner with their Local Government Authority or Alpine Resorts Victoria to support eligible projects.

Conclusion

The Local Sports Infrastructure Fund provides significant funding to help develop modern, accessible, and inclusive community sport and active recreation infrastructure across Victoria. By supporting new facilities, sports lighting upgrades, and strategic planning projects, the program aims to increase participation, improve accessibility, and strengthen local communities.

While only Victorian Local Government Authorities and Alpine Resorts Victoria can apply directly, sporting clubs, schools, community organisations, and other stakeholders can play an important role by partnering with eligible applicants. Organisations interested in benefiting from the fund should engage with their local council or Alpine Resorts Victoria early, develop projects that address community needs, and ensure they meet all eligibility and application requirements before applying.