The state government has established a low interest loans scheme to help address the need for new or upgraded sports and recreation facilities.
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Sports clubs, local government authorities and sporting associations are among those eligible for loans from $500,000 to $10 million to assist with their projects.
Projects might include aquatic leisure facilities, sports stadiums, community sport precincts, synthetic sports surfaces, skate parks and BMX tracks.
Greater Bendigo mayor Margaret O’Rourke said the $100 million scheme was something the council could consider.
Any borrowings would be subject to a council decision, if pursued.
Victorian Sport Minister John Eren said the Community Sports Infrastructure Loans Scheme would deliver the facilities local communities need, and encourage more people to, ‘get out there and get active’.
“By working together we can make sport more inclusive and more accessible, while creating jobs and volunteer opportunities for local communities,” he said.
A number of the region’s sports clubs and organisations, including the City of Greater Bendigo, have identified cost as a prohibitive factor to upgrading or creating facilities to cater for a surge in participation.
Part of the rise in demand can be attributed to sports, such as AFL, becoming more inclusive of women.
Eaglehawk Football Netball Club is understood to be one of a number of clubs aspiring to create a senior women’s football team in 2019.
AFL Central Victoria last month highlighted a need for additional sports fields in Bendigo, with some football and netball clubs struggling to find space for a growing number of teams to play and train.
- Click here for more information about the Community Sports Infrastructure Loans Scheme.