AFL NSW/ACT welcomes NSW Government $100 million facilities boost

AFL NSW/ACT has today welcomed news from the New South Wales Government of a $100 million boost to improve local sporting facilities across Greater Sydney.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the new funds to help create more open space at a time when many local sporting grounds are stretched to capacity, as part of the NSW Government’s $290 million Open Spaces and Green Sydney package.

“We know it is vital people have access to open and green spaces in their communities to improve liveability and provide families with the best possible quality of life,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“That is why we are making this investment to upgrade sporting facilities, a move which will give communities new synthetic fields or improved lighting and allow them to make the most of open spaces which are currently underused.

“I am thrilled this $100 million investment will make a difference to families who want their kids to live a healthier lifestyle and make sure local communities have the sporting fields and infrastructure they need.”

AFL NSW/ACT CEO, Sam Graham said the funding presented a great opportunity for Sydney based AFL clubs to collaborate with their local council and deliver priority projects.

“This announcement from the Premier and Sports Minister is critical to provide quality environments for boys and girls, men and women to participate in sport.

“Across the Greater Sydney Region, new and upgraded AFL ovals are desperately needed to accommodate our sports growing participation base. Many of our Sydney AFL Clubs are currently at capacity due to the lack of adequate facilities.

“We look forward to working with our local clubs, Councils and the State Government to improve AFL facilities across the Greater Sydney region.”

The announcement caps off the NSW Government’s $290 million Open Spaces and Green Sydney package, which also includes:

• $100 million to identify and purchase strategic open and green space;
• $20 million to build more than 200 new or upgraded playgrounds;
• $37.5 million to plant five million new trees in Sydney; and
• $30 million to open up more than 80 school grounds for community use.

Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said, “Today’s announcement comes on top of $200 million that has been committed to improving sporting facilities in regional NSW and the hugely successful $207 million Active Kids program that is helping parents pay for their kids sport.”

More information on the Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund can be found on the Office of Sport website.

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