NATIONALS HAVE A WIN ON FOOTBALL AND NETBALL FUNDS

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, said yesterday’s announcement of $6 million for country football and netball clubs was a victory for country residents.

“The State Government had previously announced a paltry $2.3 million over several years, following the widespread inquiry into country football and netball clubs,” Dr Sykes said.

“Previously, the Government had spent $1.8 million on country footy and netball in one year, then we had an inquiry, and they said they would spend $2.3 million over a number of years. We need to be careful that they do not end up spending less on country football and netball than they would have if we didn’t have the inquiry at all.”

“I and my Nationals colleagues want to ensure that this $6 million is over and above the existing $1.8 million that was already being spent. Country clubs should be able to access financial help under either scheme.”

Dr Sykes said the Nationals had put it to the Government at the start of the process that the original funding would not be sufficient.

“The Nationals called for up to $20 million over five years. Right from day one the Nationals have been extremely vocal, pointing out that the $2.3 million was never going to be enough,” he said.

The Nationals have constantly questioned the Sports Minister in Parliament, only to be stonewalled by the Minister who said the $2.3 million would be enough.

“To add insult to injury, under the existing arrangements, only three clubs could receive funding in any one municipality. We pointed out that this was grossly inadequate.”

He said the inquiry into country football and netball had shown that the basic facilities in many rural areas were not up to scratch.

“It was clear that members of up to 70 per cent of netball teams in country Victoria change either in the toilets or in other inappropriate areas. A vast majority of them change in cars parked around the netball courts.”

“Our football and netball clubs are the glue that binds our country communities together and we cannot under-estimate the value of these country clubs to our rural communities, and they must be supported,” Dr Sykes said.

“It is not a big ask when the Government is swimming in cash from the GST. It is time they started putting something back into country communities.”

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989