Bob Kucera

Bob Kucera

Former Minister for Disability Services; Sport and Recreation; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests; Seniors

    $13million investment in our sporting future

    14/09/2005 12:00 AM
     
    14/9/05

    A new State Government initiative means sporting associations can cash in on the future with the announcement of $13million in funding.

    Sport and Recreation Minister Bob Kucera said the State Government would enter into three-year funding agreements with 79 State sporting associations under the Department of Sport and Recreation’s Sport Sustainability Program.

    Announcing the funding at the Active 2005 Sport and Recreation Industry Conference in Fremantle this morning, Mr Kucera said that with a three-year funding cycle, sporting organisations would have more certainty to develop long-term plans for the growth of their sport.

    “We are investing in Western Australia’s sporting future and our unique lifestyle, by helping sports to focus on what they want to achieve over the next three years, rather than tying funding to specific programs,” the Minister said.

    “The time frame falls into line with the industry’s three-year strategic framework which has been adopted by the majority of sports in WA.

    “It means we have given bureaucracy the red card so sports can spend more time providing sporting opportunities - particularly at the community level - instead of filling out annual funding applications.”

    Mr Kucera said 87 per cent of sports would receive the same or more funding than last year. Grants included:
    • cycling - a 29 per cent increase to develop partnerships with similar cycling sports to develop an umbrella body;
    • boxing - a substantial increase to better manage health and safety issues for boxers;
    • diving and archery - increased funding to help these Olympic and Commonwealth Games sports to develop pathways programs from grassroots to high performance; and
    • Football West (soccer) - additional funding in recognition of the significant progress made in the unification of the sport and the flow-on effect nationally.
    The Minister said $300,000 would be allocated over three years to help sports host national championships.

    “It's important for WA athletes and teams to be able to compete on their own soil, and this funding will help level the playing field,” he said.

    Minister's office: 9213 7000