RECREATION AND SPORT FACILITIES

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (14:43): In congratulating the newly appointed ministers, I would like to ask the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing a question about his program on recreation and sport facilities. How has the government assisted community-based organisations to provide sport and recreation facilities?

Mr KENYON (Newland—Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Minister Assisting the Premier with South Australia's Strategic Plan) (14:43): I thank the member for her question and I note her keen interest in sport in South Australia, especially calisthenics. She is a very strong supporter of calisthenics.

This government demonstrated its strong commitment to supporting grassroots sport in this state last year by increasing funding to our most significant program for grassroots facility development and upgrades, the Community Recreation and Sport Facility Program (CRSFP). The budget of the CRSFP, which provides financial assistance to clubs and organisations that are looking to improve their sporting infrastructure, was increased from $1.49 million to $6.49 million annually. This extra $5 million is an ongoing commitment which will allow many more sports clubs to upgrade their clubrooms, build new change rooms, resurface courts or install floodlights in order to encourage more people to be active and participate in sports. I am pleased to inform the house today that this funding increase has had an amazing response.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! This is the first opportunity the minister has had to answer a question. It is a bit like a maiden speech; let us hear him in silence.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Give him the dignity of the parliament.

Mr KENYON: Help, help! I'm feeling repressed.

The SPEAKER: Yes, he has got a tie on. He is looking very smart, as a minister should, but please hear him in silence.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr KENYON: You have been coordinating with the member for West Torrens. He had exactly the same question. He wanted to know what colour my tie was, as well. Obviously, the big issues are worrying you. At least I am wearing a tie. It is a step toward. Come on, you guys.

The Hon. A. Koutsantonis interjecting:

Mr KENYON: I had to buy a new suit because he was teasing me too much.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! It is too much information. Minister, can I direct you back to answering your questions.

Mr KENYON: I was teased too much; I had to buy a new suit. Where was I? Okay. I am pleased to inform members today that this funding increase has had an amazing response with 243 applications submitted for the 2010-11 round of CRSFP. Ultimately, 69 projects were successful, sharing in nearly $6.5 million in funding. This is a fantastic result, which will benefit not only local sports organisations but also see employment provided with a significant boost with all funding provided by the government needing to be matched by the applicant through other funding sources or in-kind contributions.

The positive impact that this program has on the South Australian economy is clear, with the state government's investment of $6.49 million into the CRSFP this year resulting in more than $20 million in sports facility projects getting off the ground right across the state. Some of the exciting, new and upgraded community sports facilities we will now see include: netball courts at McLaren Vale and Elizabeth; floodlights in Gladstone and Thebarton; hockey pitches at Aldinga and Port Pirie; tennis courts in Strathalbyn and Pooraka; bowling greens in Mount Barker and Ascot Park; a swimming pool in Roxby Downs; and clubrooms at Rosewater.

All 69 funded projects are worthy recipients of government assistance, providing tens of thousands of South Australians of all ages with greater opportunities to be involved in physical activity. The health benefits of regular physical activity are well documented, and funding through this program will provide facilities for more people to access and enjoy lifelong involvement in quality, active recreation and sport.

This government remains strongly committed to supporting grassroots sporting clubs and associations, and I would urge all members to direct their local clubs and organisations to this grant program in preparation for the next round, which will open for applications in August this year. Those members who have had successful projects in their electorate should receive notification of that in the very near future.