AFLW announcement highlights need for grassroots investment

• Facilities need to be improved to harness booming AFLW popularity
• Congratulations to all involved in securing Tasmanian side
• Labor’s $4.8 million commitment to grow women’s sport
The announcement of a Tasmanian AFLW side has highlighted the urgent need for facilities and grounds upgrades at a grassroots level.
Shadow Minister for Local Government Madeleine Ogilvie said the stunning success and rapid rise of women’s football in Tasmania highlighted a need for investment.
A majority Labor Government will inject $1.6 million each year over three years to build and upgrade sporting facilities to encourage more Tasmanians – particularly women – into competitive sport.
“The announcement of a Tasmanian AFLW side is excellent news for the state and a deserved outcome, and we congratulate all involved in making this a reality,” Ms Ogilvie said.
“Our community sports facilities are in need of upgrades to support all users of grounds. “There is a desperate need not only for more and better facilities, but also for more grounds to be made available.
“Urgent investment is needed – our facilities need to be brought up to a contemporary standard.
“We can give our women players a true pathway to AFL level football, but we need to get the building blocks right – from juniors through community football and schools participation.
“Labor has committed $4.8 million to get the job done.
“The establishment of and AFLW team sets the standard for growth of the game and delivers a framework that can support both men’s and women’s participation in the future. Getting our grounds up to scratch is essential.
“It’s really important that governments do everything possible to encourage more Tasmanians and more Tasmanian women to get involved in range of sporting competitions that are available but not necessarily accessible at the moment.
“A majority Labor Government will partner with Local Councils, incorporated sports clubs and many other stakeholders to build new or significantly improve facilities. Our grants to improve facilities for girls and women to participate in sports will be through a competitive grants program.
“The Tasmanian Liberals have done very little to lift participation and encourage greater involvement in community sporting competitions over the last three years.”
Madeleine Ogilvie MP Shadow Minister for Local Government and Planning