Thursday, 23 March 2023

 Bronwyn HALFPENNY (Thomastown) (17:20): (124) I have a matter to raise with the Minister for Community Sport, and the action I seek is that she come with me to visit a number of the community sport clubs in the Thomastown electorate. The electorate of Thomastown has it all from basketball, AFL football, soccer, swimming, calisthenics, netball, traditional and cultural dancing from around the world, tennis and cricket. They are strong clubs run by hardworking and energetic volunteers, people that are also often the linchpins for communities, keeping people connected and always giving a helping hand.

The Andrews Labor government has provided millions of dollars to councils to upgrade pavilions, playgrounds, night lights, scoreboards and playing grounds; however, the City of Whittlesea is overall responsible for local recreational and community sport facilities. The state government does what it can through the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund and previously the Growing Suburbs Fund, but council needs to step up. There is not one indoor basketball or netball stadium in the entire seat of Thomastown built by council. Many football grounds and pitches are in a sorry state of disrepair. Coaches’ boxes and lights do not comply with sporting codes, and these problems are just an ongoing source of frustration. On the other hand, where the state government has been able to provide support we have made some wonderful facilities, but I am sure the minister will appreciate having a look.