MY POLICY INITIATIVE
The benefits of strong Community Sports and Leisure services in an area are profound: social inclusion, positive health outcomes and opportunities for people to take on leadership roles and develop new skills. In the face of economic and social changes that affect the region, rural sport participants view local sport clubs as vital community hubs fostering social cohesion, local and regional identities and a shared focus. Sport participation rates are higher in regional areas compared to metropolitan areas, and is the highest among young children (aged 5-14 years).
In March 2017 the Andrews Government committed to making Latrobe Valley “one of regional Australia’s top sporting hubs” (ref) and to provide the “best grassroots sports facilities for Victorian communities” (ref). Unfortunately, many clubs around Latrobe Valley still suffer terrible facilities despite having fantastic patronage and involvement in their sports. Many of the Soccer, Netball, Basketball, Tennis, Football, Cricket and Recreational Clubs across our communities, have abysmal grounds and clubrooms, stadiums and infrastructure.
To reinforce our fantastic participation in regional sport, and to support our younger players – the facilities they attend must keep up with the growth. We need to support our volunteers, parents, players and kids to develop in the sport, allowing all participants to enjoy being active on fit-for-purpose grounds and clubrooms.
MY PROPOSAL
Funding for a full and comprehensive review of sporting club facilities to be undertaken within the Latrobe Valley
A transparent schedule of works communicated to the community for completion over a five-year period. One manner of doing this might be to rotate the works to be completed in each of the major towns and areas per year, such as; Southern towns, Northern towns, Moe, Morwell, Traralgon
The State Government to provide $25 million each year for the next five years to establish the ‘Latrobe Sports and Recreation Fund’
Allow where possible, the various clubs to Project Manage their own upgrades to ensure the funds are spent on the most appropriate solutions and obtain value for money
MY COMMITMENT
I am standing with the clubs, families, players and kids of grassroots sports in the Latrobe Valley to fight for better conditions for them to be active, involved and participate in local sports. I’m calling upon the State Government to honour their commitment in providing the best facilities for our regions sports and provide our community the ‘Latrobe Sports and Recreation Fund
