Recreation, Sport and Racing Strategic Plan

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (14:56): My question is to the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing. Will the minister inform the council on how the Recreation, Sport and Racing strategic plan will benefit all South Australians?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:56): I thank the honourable member for their question and interest in recreation, sport and racing. The launch of the 2025-30 strategic plan marks a pivotal moment for sport, recreation and racing in South Australia. This plan sets a bold and ambitious direction, one that unites clubs, organisations, volunteers and government under a shared vision for the future.

At its heart, it is about people ensuring that sport and active recreation continues to play a vital role in shaping a healthier, more connected and thriving South Australia. The plan was shaped through 12 months of consultation, listening closely to the voices of grassroots clubs, volunteers, state sporting organisations, local government and national bodies.

In March, I had the opportunity to host a state sporting organisation round table at the South Australian Sports Institute, bringing together leaders from across the sector. This forum provided invaluable feedback, ensuring that the plan reflects the priorities, challenges and aspirations of those delivering sport and recreation in our state every day.

We know that sport and active recreation sport are more than just weekend activities. They create social connections, improve health and wellbeing, build inclusion, and provide valuable life skills such as leadership, teamwork and resilience. They also help drive better academic outcomes for young people, boost local economies through events and infrastructure, and create jobs.

The plan is an investment also from this government. State government infrastructure funding programs have supported local clubs and that support will continue to help open new clubrooms, ovals and courts, which are vital to the communities across the state. Major projects are already underway, like the construction of the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre, which is being delivered by our government, ensuring South Australians have access to world-class aquatic facilities.

In the Mile End Sports Precinct, works are set to begin on the SA Netball centre redevelopment, delivering more courts, better seating and a greatly enhanced experience for the half a million people who visit this site every year. We have also invested in the South Australian Sports Institute building, which, in less than a year, has had a remarkable impact on high-performance sport, providing world-class facilities and a centre of excellence for a wide range of sports.

We are also the first state to contribute $1 million over four years to the LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic team appeal, providing a pathway for our athletes to reach the games, and have established a 2032 Brisbane games legacy committee. At the grassroots, we have doubled the Sports Vouchers program, offering two $100 vouchers per child per year, helping to eliminate barriers to participate for children and young people, helping them move from the screens and onto the fields.

This plan belongs to the sector. It belongs to the thousands of volunteers, to the coaches and to the families and, most of all, to the players. I look forward to seeing this plan come to life over the next five years.