Moorabool council has written letters calling for an explanation around cuts to sport and recreation infrastructure funding.
A report tabled at the October 1 Moorabool council meeting stated that council officers have written to the state requesting an explanation for the $20 million reduction in sport and recreation infrastructure funding in the 2025–26 state budget, emphasising increased demand and the importance of this infrastructure to residents.
The letters also called for a significant increase in future funding for new and upgraded community sport and recreation infrastructure and to establish dedicated growth funds for fast-growing councils.
The report stated that the letters requested this funding for Moorabool and other peri-urban municipalities to enable “timely investment in vital sport and recreation infrastructure as recommended by the Legislative Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee”.
The letters follow a notice of motion raised by councillor Rod Ward on July 2 that requested such advocacy.
In Cr Ward’s notice of motion, it stated that recommendations from the Legislative Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee that examined the sustainability and efficiency of local government funding and service recommended that the state should create growth funds specifically for councils experiencing rapid growth, such as the Moorabool Shire Council and including peri-urban councils.
A state government spokesperson said that Victoria is the sporting capital of the nation, a reputation built on the strength of local clubs and athletes.
“We want more Victorians to get involved in the sports they love. It keeps us healthy, builds friendships and strengthens local communities,” the spokesperson said.
“That’s why the government has invested more than $2.4 billion since 2014 to develop or upgrade facilities to increase participation opportunities across the state.”
Star Weekly understands the government is encouraging councils looking to upgrade or build new community sports infrastructure to develop a proposal for consideration through future funding opportunities and those that are currently open for applications.
According to Moorabool, the council will continue to advocate for increased funding for community sport and recreation infrastructure, and a copy of responses from the government, once received, will be provided to councillors.
