September 1 - 30, 2026: Issue 658

 

Independent MPs call on NSW Labor Government to ‘step up to the plate’ on funding for grassroots sporting infrastructure

Independent Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby with Mona Vale Raiders Vice President Seniors, Nik Vuko (right) and President Hamish McLean. Pic: AJG/PON

Thursday 24 September 2026

A group of NSW Independent MPs spanning regional and metropolitan electorates have united to call on the NSW Labor Government to ‘step up to the plate’ and urgently fund grassroots sporting infrastructure across NSW. The call for a Grassroots Sports Facilities Fund has been backed by a number of senior sporting administrators representing Sport NSW, NSW Rugby and Cricket NSW.

The Independent MPs say a statewide multi-year, Grassroots Sports Facilities Fund could be central to securing their support in the event of another hung parliament at the March 2027 NSW state election.

The group of MPs are calling for the NSW Labor Government to commit to a minimum $60 million per year for the fund. The MPs say grants should be available to all 93 electorates across NSW, up to $2 million, with a focus on upgrading older facilities and prioritising the construction of female changerooms. The government should also commit to repurposing demountables for local club use.

They say the funds could be allocated immediately from the unallocated funding announced in the NSW Budget.

Independent Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby said: “In Pittwater, 60-year-old facilities have been neglected and left to rot for decades - even though community sport is booming and female participation is growing exponentially.

For decades grassroots and community sports have missed out while governments have splashed billions on elite sporting stadiums. It’s 2026, yet women and girls playing community sport are having to get changed behind bushes, in cars and in the rain before they step out onto the field. It’s simply not good enough.

This is investment the community is calling for. I’ve even had a letter written to me from a boy in a local rugby union club asking for female changerooms for the girls. With councils crying poor and preventing clubs doing their own upgrades, state government needs to get the ball rolling.”

Independent Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan said: “True equity means a place on the field, a locker in the room, and a seat at the table. Participation in local sports socially and competitively belongs to everyone.”

The Independent MPs also highlighted that the current funding model is broken, citing councils’ reluctance to even invest in developing designs to allow grants to be applied for.

Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr said: “Programs such as Level the Playing Field have delivered welcome improvements to sporting facilities in Wagga but as a city famous for producing great athletes, Wagga and surrounds will need ongoing significant investment to build and grow our sporting infrastructure to meet the needs of a fast-growing community.”

Independent Member for Wakehurst, Michael Regan said: “I am currently working with Education Infrastructure on making available the 600 plus redundant school demountables and re-using them for change rooms, toilets, storage and even meeting rooms and canteens. I have local clubs screaming for help with facilities for women and girls in particular. This is a simple and cost effective way to get facilities that are desperately needed all across the state, and a great re-use of these demountables.”

Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton said: “Local sport is the backbone of many rural communities. If governments can find billions to fund elite sporting stadiums, surely they can find more money for grassroots sporting infrastructure. Grassroots sports brings communities together and these sports can also help divert some young people away from crime. We want our kids in teams, not gangs. Star-struck politicians need to spend less on the NRL and more on grassroots sports that bring communities together.”

Independent Member for Barwon, Roy Butler said: “Lack of funding for community sports facilities is compounded in my electorate of Barwon, as there are few people spread over a large area. That requires the duplication of facilities without having the population base to fund and maintain them. I welcome any initiative to increase state funding for community sports facilities.”

Independent Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby said: “With polls showing another minority government on the cards after the March 2027 NSW election, equitable investment in local sporting facilities for our communities could be a deciding factor.”

The call for a $60 million annual Grassroots Sports Facilities Fund has been backed by:

  • Jacqui Scruby MP, Member for Pittwater
  • Judy Hannan MP, Member for Wollondilly
  • Dr Joe McGirr MP, Member for Wagga Wagga
  • Helen Dalton MP, Member for Murray
  • Michael Regan MP, Member for Wakehurst
  • Phil Donato MP, Member for Orange
  • Roy Butler MP, Member for Barwon
  • Chris Hall, Chairperson, Sport NSW
  • Peter Murphy, CEO, NSW Rugby & Sport NSW Board
  • Dean Hunter, Senior Manager - Government Relations and Infrastructure, Cricket NSW

Chris Hall, Chair of Sport NSW said: “Sporting infrastructure underpins participation and in some parts of the state people are being turned away because facilities are already at capacity. Sport already makes a $34.7b annual contribution to the economy so more facilities will only increase that number and lead to a healthier, more connected society.”

Hamish McLean, President of Mona Vale Raiders Rugby League Club said: “Female participation at Mona Vale Raiders has grown enormously, with more than 200 women and girls now playing across 14 teams, but we still don’t have safe and adequate changerooms for them. These players are getting changed in cars on the street which is far from satisfactory. They deserve legitimate care and protection. We’ve been trying to get the facilities at Newport Oval upgraded since 2016. The club is prepared to contribute financially, but after years of delays we still don’t have a plan that meets the basic needs of our players. Crucially we have no official direction from council for us to work towards a conclusive outcome.

We strongly and completely support Jacqui’s push for a renewed ‘Level the Playing Field’ program. Grassroots clubs are doing everything they can to grow women’s sport within the community; but we need governments and councils to match that effort with facilities that are fit for purpose.”

Change room facilities at Newport Oval, first installed in 1962 - used by male players and visiting teams, no female facilities