AFL Canberra welcomes ACT Government Sport Funding

April 20, 2020

AFL Canberra has welcomed the ACT Government's funding and relief equivalent to $3.3 million for Canberra's sports sector to help the sector to endure the challenges of COVID-19.

The relief package for ACT Sport and Recreation was recently announced by ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry and the ACT Government and is aimed at helping sporting organisations meet their costs and assist the sport and recreation sector to return in a strong position.

The government is also waiving sportsground hire fees in addition to the government's decision to waive rent for use of government properties and schools.

AFL NSW/ACT Acting Chief Executive, Tiffany Robertson advises “the support package will greatly assist AFL Canberra and our local clubs to navigate the unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Sport has a unique ability to bring people together, embrace diversity and empower communities to lead active and healthy lifestyles.

“Our code is being challenged like never before and local communities are missing the significant benefits that our local clubs provide to all.

“This package and the ongoing support from the ACT Government will help us survive and ensure footy starts again soon once it is safe to do so.”

The ACT Government will provide an immediate financial injection of $700,000 across ACT peak sport and recreation bodies as well as enable early access to approximately $1.5 million through the 2021 Sport and Recreation Grants Program for the 28 triennially funded organisations.

The ACT Government has been working with the sector to identify building projects and smaller capital works projects that can be funded quickly by bringing forward the 2021 Sport and Recreation Grants Program.

Government sportsground hire fees will be waived for the winter season and for existing bookings from mid-March, estimated at $616,000. This is in addition to a six-month waiver of rent and hire fees for community groups using ACT Government properties, which had already provided an $80,000 rental reduction for relevant sporting organisations.

Recovery of all outstanding invoice payments due for ACT Government sportsground hire fees has also been suspended.

The ACT Government has already provided significant economic support for eligible businesses, such as sporting organisations, that includes electricity rebates, licencing fee waivers, commercial rates rebates and payroll tax waivers.

This package will help the sector to return to a strong position possible and allow Canberran's to re-engage in sport and active recreation when the situation allows for it.

For a full list of the economic survival measures provided by the ACT Government, visit www.covid19.act.gov.au.

Image: AFL Canberra welcomes the relief package for ACT Sport and Recreation announced by ACT Education Minister Berry. Image courtesy of AFL Canberra

17th April 2020 - Prime Minister Scott Morrison outlines plans for lifting of Coronavirus restrictions

10th April 2020 - AFL faces up to post lockdown changes

7th April 2020 - AFL players join with VicHealth to promote wellness during Coronavirus shutdown

1st April 2020 - ASADA advises two Canberra staff members have COVID-19

30th March 2020 - AFL looks to secure $600 million loan

29th March 2020 - AFL and players agree pay-cut deal through Coronavirus shutdown

27th March 2020 - Otium Planning Group launches free hotline to help councils and sporting bodies navigate the impact of Coronavirus

25th March 2020 - Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces new measures aimed at slowing spread of Coronavirus

22nd March 2020 - AFL suspends season until end of May in response to Coronavirus

19th March 2020 - AIS suspends public activities on Canberra campus

11th February 2020 - ACT Government to spend $200,000 on stadium feasibility study

26th March 2019 - ACT Government to sacrifice 1.6 hectare Holt sporting fields for shopping centre expansion

13th October 2017 - AFL NSW/ACT investigates complaints over female Bathurst players being encouraged to strip

7th June 2017 - ACT Government commits to building a more active Canberra

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.