NSW Government’s 2021/22 Budget set to benefit AFL

AFL NSW/ACT welcomes the NSW Government’s 2021/22 Budget, which was handed down by Treasurer, the Hon Dominic Perrottet MP on Tuesday, 22 June.

There are several new funding initiatives that will positively serve our players, clubs and the community, in addition to the existing programs such as the Greater Cities and Regional Sports Facilities Funds, and the Active Kids Voucher.

AFL NSW/ACT can assist clubs and councils looking to apply for grants. Please contact Anthony Brooks (Anthony.Brooks@afl.com.au, 0404 022 104) for further information.

 

Multi-Sport Community Infrastructure Fund

 

AFL NSW/ACT, in collaboration with community clubs and local councils, will look to apply for funding in the new Multi-Sport Community Infrastructure Fund, which is set to provide more than $100 million a year in grants over the next two years.

The Fund aims to improve accessibility and equality at existing sporting facilities as well as upgrade changerooms to be inclusive, playing surfaces and lighting.

Our applications to the Fund will seek to enable AFL NSW/ACT to address a range of facilities challenges we have across the state, driven by significant growth and participation of our game across greater Sydney – a good problem to be solving.

 

Centres of Excellence Program

 

The Centres of Excellence Program allocates $150 million funding to update high performance and regionally significant venues.

This will benefit AFL players in NSW who participate in talent programs as it aims to improve the facilities where they train and play.

This budget will also support the Sydney Swans and GWS GIANTS who will look to bolster their facilities and community programs.

 

Other funding commitments relevant to AFL NSW/ACT

 

Local clubs can apply to benefit from $18.6 million additional recurrent expenditure over two years for the Community Building Partnerships program, doubling the total funding for the program to $37.2 million in 2021/22. The CBP is about building or improving facilities in local communities and AFL NSW/ACT would be pleased assist clubs looking to apply for these grants.

The NSW Government has also allocated $6.7 million to develop a final business case for the Hunter Sport and Entertainment precinct to deliver sporting and entertainment facilities and new homes.

 

Head of AFL NSW/ACT, Tiffany Roberson, said: “We thank the NSW Government for its record investment into sport, particularly community facilities.

“We look forward to collaborating with local councils and the NSW Government to deliver our priority projects which support the growth of Australian football across NSW.”