The 2021-22 NSW Budget will invest more than $450 million in additional funding over four years in the sport and active recreation sector, providing new and improved sports facilities across the State, enabling record numbers of people to be healthy and active.

This investment is headlined by the establishment of a new $200 million Multi-Sport Community Infrastructure Fund, $150 million for a new Centres of Excellence Program and $44 million for a new Learn to Swim Active Pre-Schooler voucher program.

Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the boost to the sports budget would focus on getting communities across NSW active and more involved in local sports.

“The establishment of the new Multi-Sport Community Infrastructure Fund and Centres of Excellence Program continues the NSW Government’s significant investment in providing new and improved facilities throughout the State,” Mrs Ward said.

“From basketball to cricket and everything in between, this continued investment will support participation from local communities to our elite athletes, through improved access to facilities.”

The Learn to Swim Active Pre-Schooler voucher program builds on the success of the Active Kids program, with $100 vouchers being made available from this summer to children aged between three and six who are not yet enrolled in school.

“It is critical young children have the opportunity to participate in swimming lessons and learn water safety skills as part of their development,” Mrs Ward said.

“This initiative will enable more families to enroll their children in lessons and adds to the more than 130 rebates, concessions and other cost of living measures available to individuals and families across NSW.”

The Budget will provide continued support to develop the talents of local athletes, with $21.4 million over four years for the NSW Institute of Sport in addition to ongoing funding for the Regional Academies of Sport network.

The NSW Government has also allocated $6.7 million towards a business case for Hunter Park within the Broadmeadow precinct. This is in addition to $16 million over four years for the Surf Club Facility Program to support the upgrade and development of Surf Life Saving Club facilities along the coastline.

This is a media release from the NSW Government Budget 2021-2022.