Breathing new life into local sports facilities

Applications are now open for the 2026-27 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.

The Fund has three streams including Community Facilities, Community Sports Lighting, and Planning with funding between $500,000 and $40,000 available.

All Victorian councils and Alpine Resorts Victoria are eligible to apply for funding, working in partnership with their local sport and recreation clubs, sport associations and leagues with a focus on projects that improve participation opportunities, including for women and girls.

A key focus of this round will be prioritising community sports lighting projects that provide the broader community with access to sports facilities for new active recreation opportunities.

This ensures Victorians have access to more community venues to get physically active, improve their fitness, have fun and enjoy time with family and friends.

Funded projects in previous rounds include $500,000 towards a new youth recreation precinct at Monterey Reserve in Frankston North.

The Fund also splashed in $40,000 for a feasibility study on how to get the best out of the Horsham Aquatic Centre - with a focus on getting community members, who participate less, more active to reap the benefits of physical activity.

A $250,000 boost also went towards the installation of 350 lux LED lighting for six synthetic tennis courts at Maffra Lawn Tennis Club.

The Victorian Budget 2026/27 is providing $24 million to support the development of high-quality, accessible community sports infrastructure across the state, including through the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.

Initiatives like these are also about inclusion, improving access, increasing participation, creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and improving health and social outcomes for Victorians.

Applications close on 28 July 2026. For more information about the fund and to apply visit the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.