LOCAL sporting clubs will have the chance to apply for a $50,000 grant through a new initiative announced by the state government today.
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Local Facilities for Local Clubs is a program that involves the state government providing dollar-for-dollar funding to club projects.
State Sports Minister Damian Drum made the announcement this morning at the Woodbury Bowling Club, explaining that $1 million had been committed to the initiative.
"The program is a game-changer for local sporting clubs, acknowledging the hard work of volunteer administrators by providing financial support for small facility projects that make a big difference to local people," Mr Drum said.
He said local councils would still oversee the projects, but wouldn't have to provide any funding.
He said the initiative would help clubs that needed immediate improvements or facilities.
He said he knew of a Bendigo cricket club, for instance, that desperately needed nearby footpaths to be repaired, and the funding would enable it to fix the footpaths quickly.
He said councils often had "master plans" for clubs, but sometimes smaller improvements needed to be implemented in the meantime.
"If they have the ability to do that it will make a big difference," Mr Drum said.
To apply for funding, clubs will have to approach their local councils, which will each be allocated up to $50,000.
Councils will then decide how the money is spent.
Applications close on September 15.
The funding will be provided to projects with a total cost of up to $150,000.