PORT AUGUSTA SPORTING PRECINCT

463 The Hon. G.M. GUNN (Stuart) (10 March 2009). Will the State Government provide financial support to the proposed sporting oval precinct at Port Augusta and if so, how much and over what period?

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT (Lee—Minister for Police, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing): The State Government is committed to promoting the social, physical and economic benefits of participating in recreation and sport activities. Access to quality facilities is an important part of this commitment, providing many people with the opportunity to actively participate in recreation and sport.

The Community Recreation and Sport Facilities Program (CRSFP) is a State Government funding initiative that provides financial assistance to eligible organisations throughout the state to ensure the provision of sustainable recreation and sport facilities that meet community needs. Funding for active recreation and sport infrastructure is made available on an annual basis through the Office for Recreation and Sport (ORS), and applications from eligible organisations are considered as part of a formal assessment process.

The next round of the CRSFP opens on 29 August 2009 and interested organisations are encouraged to apply. For significant projects such as a proposed sporting oval precinct in Port Augusta, applicants may wish to consider discussing their proposals with the Funding Services team at ORS before submitting a formal application.