Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund Round 2 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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General Questions
Who is eligible to apply to the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund?
Only regional and rural Local Government Authorities (LGAs) and Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV) are eligible to submit applications directly to SRV.
Local clubs and community organisations are encouraged to contact their local council to discuss potential projects. To assist these discussions, you may use the Expression of Interest Form.
What is the total funding pool available in Round 2?
More than $20 million was allocated in Round 1 to support 26 projects, and we anticipate that the funding for this next round will be comparable or higher, depending on the quality of applications received.
Applications will be measured against the merit-based assessment criteria and will need to meet this in order to be considered for funding.
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 Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund program page. This checklist can also be submitted with your application if you wish to provide any additional comments.
SRV 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 $1 million community facilities application and a $40k planning application.
Yes, the funding caps are applicable for each stream. You are eligible to apply for up to $1 million in the Community Facilities stream and up to $40,000 in the planning 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 is an example of a minor outdoor aquatic project that would be considered in the community facilities stream and why would this differ from the Aquatics stream?
Outdoor aquatic projects submitted under the Community Facilities stream will have smaller request amounts (up to $1m) and may not include as many elements as an application submitted under the Indoor Stadium and Aquatic Facilities stream. For example, an application under Community Facilities may be for a stand-alone splash park project.
A project submitted under the Indoor Stadium and Aquatic Facilities stream may include multiple and larger scope elements, including but not limited to:
- new pool shells
- change room facilities
- ESD and accessibility improvements.
Under this stream, the minimum request is over $1 million.
A Council may apply for an Indoor Stadium and Aquatic Facility project at one site and separately for a minor outdoor aquatic project at another site under the Community Facilities stream.
All Abilities Infrastructure
Is an Access Audit required to support my application to the All Abilities Infrastructure Stream?
An Access Audit is not a mandatory supporting document; however, it is strongly recommended that an Access Audit is completed and provided, particularly for projects that are redevelopments/upgrades. An Access Audit will evidence the project need, and impact of the proposed project.
All Abilities Participation Initiatives
How many All Abilities Participation Initiatives can an LGA/ARV apply for?
LGAs/ARV may request an All Abilities Participation Initiative request alongside each application to the Indoor Stadiums and Aquatic Facilities stream, the Community Facilities Stream, the Women and Girls Facilities stream and the All Abilities Infrastructure stream. All Abilities Participation Initiative Requests are not eligible alongside Planning stream applications.
Each request may be up to $50,000 and must be delivered at the site of the accompanying infrastructure project.
Priority will be given to applications to the All Abilities Infrastructure stream.
Consideration of All Abilities Participation initiatives will be determined by an assessment of the infrastructure application and other factors outlined on page 21 of the Program Guidelines.
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.