Constituency Question: D.S. Aitken Reserve

Ros SPENCE (Yuroke) (11:50:32) — (14 578) My constituency question is to the Minister for Sport. What opportunities may be available to assist with the redevelopment of the existing pavilion at D.S. Aitken Reserve, including the provision of female-friendly amenities? For more than 50 years D. S. Aitken Reserve has been the heart of Craigieburn’s sporting community, hosting the best athletes in our community and playing a central role in bringing local residents together. Massive population growth over this time has seen Craigieburn transform from a country town to a suburb with over 56 000 residents. At the same time, the opportunities for women and girls to participate in sport have grown massively, and it is certainly time that amenities at sporting facilities like D. S. Aitken Reserve are made inclusive to their needs. I thank the minister for the work he has done in this space, and I look forward to hearing from him.

Response:

I refer to your constituency question matter regarding D.S Aitken Reserve. Firstly, I’d like to commend you on your commitment to advocating the importance of sport and recreation in your electorate.

Providing high quality sport and recreation infrastructure is a key aim of the government, and is integral to the health and well-being of all Victorians. In April I announced a government commitment of $241 million for community sport, including $60 million for the continuation of the Community Sports Infrastructure Fund and another $15 million for the Female Friendly Facilities Fund.

The Andrews Government is committed to supporting the growth of women and girls in sport. We have funded over 100 female friendly facilities in Victoria, with many more to come. The 2018-2019 Female Friendly Facilities Fund is currently open, with up to $500,000 available to councils for the provision of infrastructure that supports female participation. Hume City Council is welcome to submit an application to the 2018-2019 Female Friendly Facilities Fund for D.S. Aitken Reserve.

The Hon John Eren MP
Minister for Sport