$207 million budget for sport

The 2016-17 Budget will see the NSW Government spend $207 million in major sporting infrastructure, programs, grants and facilities across the State over the next 12 months to increase participation across local communities.

Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the funds will be spent on a range of sports related programs, facilitating capacity and capability development for sports in NSW.

“This budget will focus on coordinating the Government’s investment in stadia, including the demolition of the current Parramatta Stadium and the construction of a new 30,000 seat Western Sydney Stadium.

“The NSW Government will also be managing government-owned sport and recreation facilities and providing $56.5 million in grants and subsidies for a range of sporting initiatives. Sport is about so much more than competition. It’s about community, facilitating friendships, having fun and promoting a healthy lifestyle – with all the benefits that result.

“Sport is the lifeblood of communities across the length and breadth of NSW and this Government’s continued investment will encourage people of all ages and abilities to become involved,” Mr Ayres said. Key initiatives include:

– $5.9 million NSW contribution to a jointly funded State and Commonwealth initiative to construct a new International Water Jump Ramp at Lake Ainsworth

– $5.5 million ($22 million over four years) for the Office of Sport’s new strategic direction, including rebuilding the major stadia network and facilitating sport capacity and capability development

– $4 million additional for regional offices and regional Sport and Recreation Centres.

– $3.0 million for the Surfing Australia High Performance Centre at Casuarina Beach 

– $2.0 million ($8 million over four years) additional funding for NSW Institute of Sport

– $1.0 million ($4 million over four years) additional funding for the Regional Academies of Sport

– $1.2 million in additional maintenance funding for the Sport and Recreation Centres and ex-Olympic Venues

– $1 million in funds carried forward from 2015-16 as an election commitment to assist with the development of the Northern Inland Centre of Excellence in Tamworth

– Continuing funding of $250,000 in 2016-17 to upgrade Centenary Park in Croydon as part of $500,000 from 2015-16 to 2016-17