$25 million funding pledge for sports infrastructure

Devonport City Council Tasmania

Devonport City Council today welcomed a $25 million funding commitment by the Federal Labor Government to support the City’s sporting facilities.

Devonport Mayor Annette Rockliff joined Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King MP Tasmanian Senator Anne Urqhart and Federal Labor Candidate Chris Lynch for today’s announcement, which provides funding to commence Council’s recently released Devonport Sports Infrastructure Master Plan.

“Devonport is a sporting community that values the importance of participation in a wide range of sports and Council is committed to regenerating our sports facilities, which is the focus of our Master Plan for the next 15 years,” Cr Rockliff said.

“The plan has been co-designed by Council, following engagement with the Working Group made up of local sporting clubs, peak organisations and Communities Tasmania, which conducted research and consultation to identify 30 projects, estimated at $80 million.”

Cr Rockliff said the investment would see one of Council’s long-held goals to enhance facilities for sports and activities currently undertaken at the Devonport Recreation Centre to meet changing demographic needs and increasing population.

“Council will work with funding bodies to best utilise any contributions to ensure facilities are redeveloped in line with the Master Plan’ three key principles being to maximise usage, develop multi-use facilities and ensure strategic investment, aligns with community priorities,” Cr Rockliff said.

“The data shows a strong trend towards indoor sports, allowing play all year round, especially through evenings, winter, and inclement weather.”

Cr Rockliff said building and accessibility standards for sports facilities have increased significantly since many of the City’s major sporting venues were built.

“Improving the City’s infrastructure is important and has the benefits of increasing community access to and participation in sport, health, and wellbeing activities,” Cr Rockliff said.

“As a regional city, Devonport is very fortunate to have such an array of assets to build upon.

“The master plan vision is for Devonport to be a healthy and active city with high-quality accessible and affordable sports infrastructure delivering community-wide social, economic, and environmental benefits.”

The Devonport Sports Infrastructure Master Plan can be viewed on Council’s website: https://www.devonport.tas.gov.au/council/get-involved/speak-up-devonport/devonport-sports-infrastructure-master-plan-2035/

/Public Release. View in full here.