There’s a $40 million boost for the fifth stage of Geelong’s Kardinia Park stadium redevelopment. Combined with previous commitments, the Victorian Government is fully funding the $142 million final stage of the project that will ensure Kardinia Park remains the country’s premier regional stadium, boosting the local economy and backing local jobs.

In Melbourne, the Budget funds a range of AFL club projects with strong community benefits, including $36.6 million for the next stage of the Western Bulldogs’ Whitten Oval masterplan which provides a new grandstand for spectators at AFLW and VFL games plus facilities for important community programs, including Sons and Daughters of the West.

AFL legend Danny Frawley’s contribution to football and mental health awareness will be recognised with $7.3 million to develop the Danny Frawley Centre for Health and Wellbeing at St Kilda Football Club’s Moorabbin headquarters.

Essendon’s Tullamarine base will get $6.3 million to build new women’s facilities and extra capacity for community sport, and $7.3 million will go towards upgrades at North Melbourne’s Arden Street home – providing more space to deliver the club’s multicultural programs, including the important work of The Huddle.

The Budget also provides $15.5 million for Richmond’s Punt Road Oval redevelopment, which will deliver integrated AFL and AFLW facilities and support the work of the Korin Gamadji Institute, the Bachar Houli Foundation and the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School.

A further $22 million has been allocated to develop the State Basketball Centre in Knox, including facilities for the local community, while professional sport will share $7 million in funding to aid the recovery of the sector from the effects of the pandemic.

VFL clubs will share in $1 million to build development pathways as teams enter the new multi-state East Coast League.

For more information about the Victorian Budget 2020/21