A non-profit organisation founded by Australian Cricket captain Pat Cummins is urging the Federal Government to deliver millions to support community sport.
Mr Cummins, through his Cricket for Climate initiative and the Sport Forever campaign, wants $100 million in funding for 1000 community sports clubs to shift to clean energy and undertake all-weather upgrades.
He said 14 million Australians used community sport facilities, yet 66 percent of Australia’s community sport clubs were struggling to make ends meet.
“The Sport Forever campaign seeks $100 million over five years to protect clubs of all codes from the combined threats of rising costs and climate change putting clubs, and the games Australians love to play, at risk.
“Local clubs are where it all starts. It’s where kids fall in love with the game and communities come together. If we don’t look after them, we lose more than just sport.
“This is about giving clubs a fair go so they can keep the lights on, keep people playing and be part of the shift to cleaner, cheaper energy.”
Mr Cummins said sport at all levels was affected by climate change.
He said the $100 million investment over five years would fund solar and battery systems and EV charging stations, helping community clubs reduce emissions and save on energy bills.
“Importantly, it will also fund improved water drainage, critical in the wake of recent rains in NSW and QLD where waterlogged grounds are cancelling weekends of sport, and disrupting tournaments.
“With extreme weather increasingly making day-time play unsafe, it will also be used for shade solutions to protect players and spectators, lighting upgrades to create the flexibility for clubs to train and play at cooler times of day.”
