Labor candidates for the Inner West Council have today announced a comprehensive sports policy that will see $65 million invested in sport and recreational facilities, as well as the establishment of an Office of Sport within the new Council.
We will also work with local clubs to set ambitious targets for increasing the participation of women and girls in sport. Labor councillors will pursue this as an important tool to reduce gender inequality in our community.
This is the largest and most comprehensive commitment to the funding and support of community sport in the history of the Inner West.
We believe every child should be able to enjoy the health and social benefits of participating in sport. No child should be turned away because they have no space to play.
The Office of Sport will transform the Council’s relationship with sporting clubs from one based on ground hire only into a strategic partnership to improve the health and wellbeing of our community.
This Office will provide comprehensive support for clubs through training for coaches and managers, procurement of equipment and uniforms, and health promotion programs.
Sports clubs are the largest network of volunteers in our community, and our plan will make sure they get the recognition, support and investment they need.
Labor is the only party or group to have made any commitment to funding sport and recreation facilities. The Greens, Liberals and independents haven’t bothered to put forward a single policy between them.
Local Labor Sport Policy Priorities:
Investing $65 million over 3 years in sporting fields, parks, playgrounds and pools to deliver the highest-quality facilities for local families and clubs.
Establishing an Inner West Office of Sport to provide assistance to clubs. This Office will help with the training of coaches and administrators, purchasing equipment, grant applications, ground maintenance, educational programs, and governance.
Working with clubs to identify bold targets for increasing the participation of women and girls across all sports.
Provide for longer tenure on home grounds to allow clubs and Council to apply for state and federal grants to upgrade sporting fields.
CDSFA CEO Ian Holmes said “the decision by one of the major parties to recognise the inherent value community sport plays in our civic society is a breath of fresh air. Community sporting clubs and their volunteers deliver a service to local communities through sport. Health is advanced by community sport. Physical activity combats the threat of lifestyle related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity”.
“Sport also builds community cohesion and social wellbeing as well as playing a role in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour. This is good policy and a good investments as every dollar spent on sport saves $7 in health care costs to the community. All sporting groups should be championing this type of community recognition”.
