2024-25 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
On this page
General questions
Who is eligible to apply to the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSIF)?
Only Metropolitan Victorian Local Government Authorities (LGAs) are eligible to submit applications directly to Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV).
Local clubs and community organisations are encouraged to contact their local council to discuss potential projects.
How much funding is available for the 2024-25 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund?
Up to $5 million is available for the 2024-25 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.
Who should I to speak to about my application?
Applicants must discuss project ideas with their SRV representative/s prior to applying. Applicants will be provided with:
- high-level design advice including alignment with relevant sporting guidelines
- guidance on the development of proposals that have merit, that align with fund objectives and that are ready to proceed.
Should you have questions regarding your application you may contact your local SRV contact or the Community Infrastructure Programs team via our contact form.
What supporting documents are required for my application?
For a list of all mandatory and desired supporting documentation for each funding stream, please refer to Section 5 of the Guidelines .
To assist with the development of your application and supporting documentation, please also refer to the Supporting Documents Checklist for the applicable stream on the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund program page. This checklist can also be submitted with your application if you wish to provide any additional comments.
Sport and Recreation Victoria reserves the right to not assess an application should insufficient information be provided, including responses to assessment criteria and mandatory supporting documentation.
Can applicants re-apply for unsuccessful applications from previous funding rounds?
Yes, applications can be re-submitted however they should demonstrate consideration of all feedback from SRV. Please discuss any re-submissions with your SRV representative.
Is it possible to apply for bundled/multiple site projects?
No, each project will require a separate application for different sites. Bundled or multiple site projects will not be eligible under the Fund. However, projects with multiple elements at one site/facility will be eligible and accepted (e.g. 2 scoreboards at one reserve; lighting to 2 ovals at one precinct).
Is it possible to apply for multiple grants for one site?
Yes, however, it is unlikely to result in multiple grants being awarded due to the competitive nature of the Fund and a desire to distribute funding across geographical areas where appropriate.
Can there be multiple applications across streams? For example, a $300,000 community facilities application and a $40,000 planning application.
Yes, applicants are eligible to submit applications to every stream. Applications should adhere to the funding caps applicable for each stream.
Given the guidelines do not permit funding of projects in retrospect, could applicants initiate the tender process for the project but withhold award of contract until a funding agreement was executed?
Yes, applicants may initiate a tender process prior to executing a Grant Agreement. This would be at the applicant's risk however as there is no guarantee of funding.
Is a planning permit required to be completed prior to the submission of an application?
No, a planning permit is not required prior to the submission of your application. However, timelines should be indicated and taken into consideration as part of your Project Management Framework.
Can council’s CEO letter state that their contribution will be confirmed in a future council meeting or budget?
Confirmation of partner funding and the CEO letter underwriting delivery is a mandatory part of the application process. This is required to provide assurance the project can proceed and be delivered consistent with the application.
Where funds are reliant on the 2025-26 Council Budget, a Council resolution should be provided committing funds required for the project.
Does an application submitted to the planning stream impact the assessment for any other applications submitted under infrastructure streams?
No, each application is assessed on its own merit.
Funding Streams
Community Facilities
What are some examples of active recreation projects?
Active recreation projects include free and accessible infrastructure supporting increased physical activity such as:
- outdoor fitness equipment
- multipurpose courts principally designed for casual/informal use that are free and unlocked
- walking, running and cycling paths/trails
- play spaces and skate parks
- multi-purpose recreation and youth spaces
- inclusion of elements that create another use eg disc golf installations
- BMX and pump tracks.
Some projects have combined a range of active recreation infrastructure items. Please contact your SRV representative if you have any queries regarding eligible active recreation projects.
If an LGA was looking at a refurbishment of gender inclusive changerooms within a pavilion, would this be eligible or a supported project? Or are only new/redeveloped full pavilion’s eligible?
A refurbishment is an eligible project. Council should ensure consultation with the sport has been undertaken to ensure the refurbishment meets the needs/standards for the sports.
Community Sports Lighting
Would replacement of metal halide lamps with LED lamps be eligible?
Yes, lamp replacement has been made eligible under the 2024-25 LSIF and conversion from metal halide to LED is encouraged.
Projects can contain other elements such as cross arms, lighting poles, electrical and power supply upgrades, etc. Where an applicant is proposing to retain existing light poles, a report from a suitably qualified expert, such as a structural engineer will be required.
Please contact your SRV representative if you have any queries regarding lighting applications.
Can you clarify 'new lighting that provides capacity' versus ‘redeveloped or additional lighting’ within the guidelines. Does that mean that conversion of existing non-LED lighting to LED is eligible, retaining current/similar capacity?
A conversion from non-LED to LED lighting is acceptable providing the current lighting does not meet standards (evidenced in an audit/report of existing conditions).
In some cases, maintaining participation can be as good as increasing participation. Where a project is proposing to maintain participation as it is currently impacted by existing facility conditions, please refer to any impacts caused by the poor facility conditions e.g. losing players/teams, players having to travel to other sites, etc.
Planning
Does the Facility Planning stream include concept designs?
No, a minimum of schematic level designs must be completed/applied for under this stream.
If we already have a planning grant in progress e.g. municipal strategy, can we apply for another planning grant for another specific planning activity?
Yes you can, however, both would need to be distinct projects and not linked to one another.
Further information
For further information, issues with the online application or further questions on this program, please contact us.
Details of acknowledgement and publicity requirements for funded projects are available in the Sport and Recreation Victoria: Infrastructure Grants Acknowledgement and Publicity Guidelines.