Weekly Times | GRASSROOTS Victorian sports clubs could lose millions of dollars with the Victorian Government refusing to say if it will commit to a program that has helped hundreds of cash-strapped teams.
The Country Football Netball Program has been credited with boosting club participation on and off the field.
The ousted Napthine government had committed $8 million over five years.
But the Andrews Government has not guaranteed a cent and sports clubs fear the program has been silently closed and will not win funding in the May 5 State Budget.
A government website spruiking the program yesterday said: “This program closed on 30 January 2015.’’
Sports Minister John Eren refused to guarantee funding in the State Budget, instead issuing a generic statement.
“Regional Victorian families can rest assured the Andrews Labor Government is committed to honouring its pre-election promise to upgrade community sport and recreation facilities across the state for all Victorians,’’ it said.
A total of 402 projects with a value of more than $19 million have been completed under the project since 2005.
Anakie Football and Netball Club has been on the waiting list for help for years.
President Heath Menhennet said the club, based in Mr Eren’s Lara electorate, was desperate for help.
“We’re certainly concerned because we need government funding and we would ask them to review the Budget,’’ he said.
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