Following the launch of the Victorian Government's 2018/2019 Community Sports Infrastructure Fund, Hindmarsh Shire Council is calling on local sporting organisations to submit an expression of interest for funding assistance with future projects.

Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor Cr Debra Nelson said that this is a great opportunity for local sporting clubs.

"The 2018/2019 Community Sports Infrastructure Fund is an excellent opportunity for local sporting organisations to seek funding to support the development and upgrading of sporting and recreation facilities with a focus of increasing participation.

"I encourage local sporting organisations to discuss their proposals with Council prior to submitting their expression of interest as there is a tight timeline and any submissions will need to be carefully planned, costed and within the guidelines of the funding program," she said.

Expressions of interest can be submitted under the following funding categories:
  • Minor Facilities category - grants of up to $100,000 for projects with a total project cost up to $1 million;
  • Female Friendly Facilities category - grants of up to $100,000;
  • Cricket Facilities category - grants of up to $100,000;
  • Planning category - grants of up to $30,000 for recreation planning or facility feasibility studies.

    Applying through the 2018/2019 Community Sports Infrastructure Fund is a two stage process, with the first being the submission of a project proposal. If the initial project proposal is supported by the Victorian Government's assessment panel, an invitation to go to a full application is then extended.

    "As funding applications have to be submitted by Council, any expressions of interest submitted by community sporting organisations will need to be assessed and endorsed by Council.," Cr Nelson said.

    "Because of the tight timelines expressions of interest will need to be submitted by Friday 5 May 2017 which will enable them to be reviewed at Council's May meeting. Following endorsement by Council, project proposals will need to be developed and submitted by 7 June 2017."

    For further details about the Victorian Government's 2018/2019 Community Sports Infrastructure Fund please contact Phil King on 5391 4444, or via email at grants@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au through Council's website www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.