The Allan Labor Government is backing better facilities for grassroots sport and local communities.

Member for Melton Steve McGhie today encouraged applications for the 2025-26 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSIF), which creates better places to play, train and compete across Victoria.

The fund was extended in the Victorian Budget 2025/26 and has three streams including community facilities, community sports lighting, and planning with councils being able to apply for between $40,000 and $500,000 for projects.

Potential projects include new or improved sports courts, lights, change rooms, playgrounds and skate parks, to benefit local clubs and communities.

All Victorian councils are eligible to apply in partnership with their local sport and recreation clubs, sport associations and leagues with a focus on projects that will support local communities and groups to increase participation including amongst women and girls.

Previous projects in Melton to receive grants from the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund include a brand-new Oval and Netball Court Construction at Bridge Road Recreation Reserve

and Blackwood Drive Recreation Reserve Oval 1 Sports Ground Lighting Project.

This announcement comes off the back of more than $24 million invested in regional sports facilities in July through Round 2 of the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.

The Victorian Budget 2025/26 is also investing $20 million to continue providing new and improved community sports infrastructure, including through the LSIF.

It’s part of more than $2.4 billion invested in community sport and recreation infrastructure over the past decade. For more information about the fund and to apply visit sport.vic.gov.au.

Applications close on 2 December.

Quotes attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie

“Sport is the heart and soul of Melton and we are getting on with upgrading infrastructure so clubs can keep up with soaring demand, while also making them accessible and more inclusive.”

“I urge eligible councils and sporting organisations to partner and apply for projects that will make a real difference to our community.”