Urgent sports upgrades on Labor’s agenda as Tasmania enters AFLW

• Labor’s $4.8 million commitment will encourage more women into sports

• Urgent sports infrastructure upgrades needed as state enters AFLW

• Rapid rise of women’s football highlights need for new investment

Tasmanian sporting clubs – particularly for women – will benefit from a majority Labor Government’s $4.8 million commitment to upgrade to run-down and neglected facilities.

Shadow Local Government and Planning Minister Madeleine Ogilvie said the announcement this week of a Tasmanian AFLW side has highlighted the urgent need for a grassroots upgrade of facilities and grounds.

Ms Ogilvie said Labor’s commitment to inject $1.6 million a year over three years for the upgrades would encourage more Tasmanians and women into competitive sports.

“Now that the announcement of a Tasmanian AFLW has been made – highlighting the rapid rise of women’s football in this state and around the nation – it’s time to encourage more women and girls to get involved,” Ms Ogilvie said.

“To do that, it’s critical that we get our sporting grounds and facilities like change rooms up to standard.

“We can create pathways for our women players and help make Tasmanians more active and healthy but we have to get the building blocks right – from juniors through to community football and schools participation.

“A majority Labor Government will partner with local councils, incorporated sports clubs and many other stakeholders to build new or significantly improve facilities. The funding will be delivered through a competitive grants program.

“The Liberals have done very little to lift participation and encourage greater involvement in community sports over the past three years and it will be up to a Labor Government to achieve a healthier Tasmania.”
Madeleine Ogilvie MP Shadow Minister for Local Government and Planning