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The Federal budget, announced last night by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, includes a $385.4 million package to implement Sport 2030 - Australia’s first national sports plan, a package that funds sport in communities and schools and supports elite athletes before, during and after their careers.

The investment in sport and physical activity to encourage greater participation has many benefits including improved physical and mental health, greater community connectedness along with enhancing our sporting reputation.

Commenting on the funding announcement, Federal Minister for Sport Bridget McKenzie advised “Sport 2030’s aim is for Australia to be a world leader as an active and healthy sporting nation, known for our integrity and sporting success.

“It is about supporting sport and physical activity at all levels, from grassroots through to elite - getting more Australians, more active more often.

“Sport 2030 commits to reducing physical inactivity among Australians by 15% by 2030 - and we are determined to bring the health, social, cultural and inclusion benefits of sport and physical activity to all Australians.”

The budget also provides an additional $42.5million to expand the successful Community Sports Infrastructure Grants Program to support more community-led sport and physical activity projects around Australia. This Program is helping address the incredible demand to upgrade and improve local facilities in communities across Australia.

There will be a strong focus on improving access for women and girls and people with a disability, working hand-in-hand with local government and sporting organisations to identify projects. Grants of up to $500,000 are available. The first two rounds of the program has already delivered over 500 projects in local community sporting facilities that more than two million Australians will benefit from.

The Federal Government is investing $150 million to support the development of female change room facilities at sporting grounds and community swimming pools across the country.

The Federal Government will invest $41 million to continue the Sporting Schools Program until 31st December 2020. This will continue to support over 6000 primary and high schools to partner with National Sporting Organisations to deliver high-quality sport-based activity that is free to students.

Senator McKenzie added “all Australian schools are able to register for the program and apply for funding. This initiative helps introduce students to sports and physical activity and drive greater participation.”

Click here for more information on Sport 2030.

Image courtesy of City of Shepparton.

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