Media release – Michael Ferguson, Treasurer, 14 September 2024
Backing in grassroots community clubs
More than 100 grassroots community and sporting clubs are set to benefit from new or improved facilities and infrastructure as part of the 2024-25 Budget.
The 2024-25 Budget drives the delivery of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, which ensures Tasmanians, young and old, will have access to more sporting and wellbeing opportunities than ever before.
Treasurer Michael Ferguson said the Government was supporting more than 100 community and sporting clubs, with the Budget investing $86 million to boost club infrastructure over the next four years.
Attending the Exeter Bowls Club Open Day today, the Treasurer confirmed the club will receive $200,000 in this year’s Budget – one of 25 bowls clubs that will share in almost $6 million of upgrades or equipment.
“These community and sporting clubs are the cornerstones of their communities,” the Treasurer said.
“Whether you are in Cygnet, Beauty Point or in Somerset, this Budget delivers for our local communities.
“We know how important local community clubs are to Tasmanians and they play an enormous role in keeping Tasmanians of all ages fit, healthy and connected with their local community.
“The cost of living and the rising cost of doing business are making extracurricular activities harder for many Tasmanians to afford.
“That’s why the Budget is about making life more affordable, while also investing in generational infrastructure, ensuring the ongoing viability of these community clubs.
“These investments, like the installation of a new synthetic bowling green for the Exeter Bowls Club, mean that Tasmanians young and old are sharing in something really special.
“This investment will also see the upgrading of playgrounds, the provision of new equipment and the upgrading of infrastructure at these local clubs right across the state.
“These clubs are built into the social fabric of our communities – and through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future we’re future-proofing them for years to come.”
Comment – Our Place, 14 September 2024
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“This government has had a decade to back in grass roots sports and clubs. It has failed. The government has now realised that investing some $1.4b in a top end stadium will be at the expense of grass roots club investment (amongst other things).
But instead of accepting the folly of the stadium, the Treasurer persist with this vanity project of an unaffordable stadium. It will bankrupt the state with unaffordable debt levels.
The state budget is an exercise in ego over common sense. It pursues a political agenda over basic services. The cost cutting will be disastrous. We’re already seeking the impact of last year’s ‘efficiency dividends’.
And lavishing money on community groups is clearly an attempt to still troubled waters in the widespread community opposition to the stadium.
The budget should be opposed by all opposition parties and members. It is a disaster for the state. The Treasurer should be forced to read Saul Eslake’s report and start all over again.”
