Australian states announce infrastructure funding for cycling and sports

Australian state governments have announced new funding rounds for local infrastructure. The South Australian Government is allocating $2 million through its State Bicycle Fund to support various regional and metropolitan projects. These grants, which can reach up to $200,000 per council, will fund the construction of new shared-use paths, upgrades to existing infrastructure, and safety improvements such as wombat crossings and pedestrian-actuated crossings. Key projects include expansions to the Coast to Vines Trail, the Amy Gillett Bikeway, and various cycling improvements in Adelaide and regional areas like Port Lincoln and Streaky Bay.

In Victoria, the state government is investing more than $13.9 million into 57 community sport infrastructure projects via the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund. The funding aims to improve facilities such as sporting pavilions, courts, lighting, and playgrounds to encourage local participation in recreation. Notable projects include a new youth space in Koroit, LED lighting upgrades at the Keilor Park Athletics Centre, and a new pavilion for the Natimuk Bowling Club to replace facilities lost in bushfires. The Victorian government noted that previous infrastructure investments have contributed to a significant increase in sports participation across the state.