NSW deputy premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the fund, which is part of the $1.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, would go towards improving the quality and quantity of sports venues in regional areas.

“Sport is central to the lives of so many people living in regional NSW,” Mr Barilaro said.

“The NSW Government wants to ensure regional communities are vibrant, strong and cohesive places to live, and sport is central to achieving that.

“This fund will focus on projects that not only improve the playing experience but the fan experience.

“High quality sports facilities will allow regional communities to attract significant professional and amateur events to their region.

“Those sports events will boost visitation, encourage spending in local communities, and ultimately lead to employment and stronger local economies.”

Minister for Sports Stuart Ayres said the government is looking for projects that will benefit the whole community.

“It could be a sporting facility capable of hosting regional, state or national championships, a regional sporting hub or a multi-purpose facility,” Mr Ayres said.

“So many of our sports stars are born and raised in country NSW, and we want to make sure our regional communities have high quality facilities to encourage participation and develop sports talent.

“We’re excited to hear ideas from local sporting groups and look forward to working with regional organisations and local governments to improve sporting facilities and experiences across the state,” he said.

Further information and program guidelines are available at www.nsw.gov.au/regionalsportsinfrastructure.