SEA pitch for (sea) change in sports venues

Article posted by Coliseum, November 13^th, 2020

Image: Cricket Victoria

Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Community Sport and Youth, Ros Spence, recently launched the Victorian Government (Australia)-backed Future Proofing Community Sport and Recreation Facilities online guide and toolkit at the opening of the 2020 Sports Environment Alliance Virtual Summit on November 5^th, 2020.

The subsequent sessions of the virtual summit will be held on November 12^th, November 19^th, and November 26^th i.e., on successive Thursdays through November, and each of the four summit modules will cover the future proofing of sport and learnings to help adapt to change.

The online conference will not only focus on sport within Australasia, but also on the international sporting industry, with a heavy emphasis on how a collective and collaborative approach can lead to change.

Melbourne (Australia)-headquartered Sports Environment Alliance (SEA) is a not-for-profit, membership-based organization that aims to provide the sports industry with the knowledge and networks to become environmental stewards and generate change in the sporting community for the good of the environment.

‘ausleisure.com.au’ reported that the resource was developed through a $100,000 Victorian Government strategic partnership between Sport and Recreation Victoria and SEA and brings together current research and proven techniques and approaches to future proofing facilities of all descriptions in the face of climate change.

Minister Spence maintained, “We’re proud to have joined with the Sports Environment Alliance to launch this great online resource. I encourage everyone in the sports sector to embrace the innovative ideas presented in this great collection of information and advice, and join us in leading the way in future-proofing community sport and recreation facilities.”

New online resources will help to raise the bar when it comes to reducing the sport footprint on the environment and increasing the sustainability of community sport for clubs, local councils and facility managers.

‘ausleisure.com.au’ further reported that from water conservation ideas to protecting grass surfaces, the resource provides the latest best-practice and sustainable innovation to prepare venues to brace up for extreme weather conditions including floods, droughts, and heat waves.

Reducing the impacts of climate change on community sport and becoming more sustainable will keep downward pressure on the cost of sport as organizations seek to reduce environmental impact and ensure sport remains accessible and affordable for all.

SEA Executive Director Dr Sheila Nguyen advises, “The natural environment provides for our communities and gives us places where we can play. It is incumbent on us to show gratitude and demonstrate responsibility in how we protect these spaces for future generations.”

Sport and Recreation Victoria recognizes the value of environmental sustainability in the development of community sports infrastructure by mandating specific funding allocations to sustainability measures for aquatic centers and indoor stadia.

Sport and Recreation Victoria maximizes the economic and social benefits provided to all Victorians by: Ensuring greater access and opportunities for participation in sport and recreation by all Victorians. Maintaining Victoria’s reputation as Australia’s leading State for sporting and major events.

The Victorian Government in the State of Victoria in southeast Australia has invested more than $915 million in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014 and this resource will help even more community sports organizations to meet community expectations and be ready to tackle the challenges of climate change.

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