Media Release

Will Hodgman MP
Leader of the State Opposition
Peter Gutwein MP
Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation

Thursday 18th March 2010

Over $16 million investment in sport and recreation

A Hodgman Majority Liberal Government will invest over $16m to support sport and a variety of projects in local communities and sporting clubs to ensure that all Tasmanians are able to access decent sporting and recreational facilities, so that they are better able to participate in physical exercise, enjoy organised sports and lead healthier, longer lives.

We will also promote the benefits of an active lifestyle through our investment of $7.5 million in Well Health Tasmania initiative to focus on the prevention of ill-health, rather than the cure.

I have already announced our commitment to a number of sport and recreation initiatives including $1.5 million for the Kingborough Twin Ovals, $2 million for the Devonport Aquatic Centre and $700,000 in support of Tasmanian Netball amongst many others, the value of which is in excess of $16 million.

And today I am pleased to announce that a Majority Hodgman Liberal Government will provide $600,000 over three years to the Football Federation of Tasmania to allow that body to continue its work promoting soccer in Tasmania. A particular focus will be on increasing grassroots participation in soccer, especially amongst young Tasmanians.

Some funding will also be used by the Football Federation of Tasmania to develop the talents of those young Tasmanians who have the potential to be selected in Australian squads, play in the A-League or W-League, or be granted an Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) scholarship.

We will also provide $150,000 to the Tasmanian Golf Club to host the 2010 Amateur Men’s and Women’s Championships.

Peter Gutwein said:

We are very committed to supporting local projects because in doing so not only do we support grass roots sport but we will also create local jobs.

Tasmanian sport and recreation needs real change to drive participation and encourage people to get active, be healthy and engage with the wider community.

Our commitment to sport and recreation in Tasmania is one way we will protect our lifestyle and strengthen our community.

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