The McGowan Government will fast-track $12 million in funding applications for community sport and recreation projects to expedite the projects and support Western Australia’s economy as part of the COVID-19 recovery.
Applications for Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund’s (CSRFF) Annual and Forward Planning grants of up to $2 million will now open on Monday, May 25, 2020, and close on Friday, September 11, 2020.
The grants will allow local not-for-profit sport, recreation or community groups and local governments to develop basic, sustainable infrastructure to increase participation in sport and recreation, while supporting the economy and creating jobs.
Examples of projects that will be considered include new playing surfaces, floodlighting, upgrades to change rooms and ablutions and improvements to clubrooms.
Small grants will be brought forward four to six weeks and Annual and Forward Planning grants will be expedited by three months.
Successful projects will be announced in late 2020, allowing them to commence sooner than would have otherwise been possible.
Additionally, the July 2020 small grants round (for grants up to $100,000) will now open on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, and close on Friday, August 14, 2020. This will allow the successful applicants to be announced in October 2020.
The State Government administers the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF) program through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
The program provides financial assistance to community groups and local governments to develop basic, sustainable infrastructure to increase participation in sport and recreation.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“The CSRFF program will assist local governments and not-for-profit sport, recreation or community groups to get on with the job of upgrading local infrastructure as part of WA’s economic recovery.
“By fast tracking the next funding round, we can get these projects off the ground much faster, to provide better facilities for local sport participants and create local jobs sooner.
“Community sport is a vital part of the social fabric of many local communities. As COVID-19 restrictions continue to be eased in a phased process, we want to make sure these organisations have a high standard of facilities, while supporting the State’s economy.
“My Government is focused on the use of local contractors to complete these projects where possible, including the use of Aboriginal-owned businesses where possible.”
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:
“The CSRFF program has already helped fund scores of infrastructure projects around Western Australia over many years and these changes will expedite projects that are in the pipeline.
“I’m pleased to announce a new initiative through which regional and remote Aboriginal communities can apply for up to 100 per cent of the eligible project cost.
“I also encourage the use of waste reduction strategies in infrastructure development.”
