NSWRL Infrastructure Investment Fund

6th November 2024

NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) Chief Executive David Trodden today announced details of an Investment Infrastructure Fund to provide $2 million per year to assist community clubs across the state with upgrades and improvements to club facilities and infrastructure. Trodden made the announcement to 120 leaders from almost 100 different leagues and clubs across the state at the organisation’s annual Community Conference at Sydney Olympic Park. The Investment Infrastructure Fund is the cornerstone of the NSWRL’s new Infrastructure Strategy that aligns with the broader 2024-26 New State NSWRL Strategic Plan. NSWRL will seek co-contributions from other parties to supplement the fund which will be administered by an Investment Infrastructure Fund Committee, comprising of key representatives from NSWRL and co-contributors. Select priority projects will be chosen to receive funding support based on key selection criteria aligned with NSWRL’s Infrastructure Strategy.

Trodden said the Infrastructure Strategy is an essential initiative given the ongoing participation growth across the state which this year reached more than 117,000 registered participants, representing 14.5 per cent growth since 2019 (pre-COVID). "The proactive strategic action acknowledges that with the ongoing participation growth across the state along with future growth forecasts, there is additional pressure on already-stretched existing infrastructure and community facilities," he said. "Ensuring high-quality infrastructure across the network of 700 community clubs, servicing more than 117,000 participants, is crucial to ensuring clubs continue to provide safe, inclusive environments for participants of all genders and backgrounds, creating strong, lifelong community experiences for everyone. It also helps to address the problem which has become more pronounced in recent seasons where games are cancelled because surfaces have been unable to cope with wet weather due to overuse. This strategy would not have been possible without the valuable input and contributions from key stakeholders across the NSWRL ecosystem, including our community club representatives, local councils, and state Government," Trodden said. "Their insights have helped developed a strategy that will continue to benefit and serve the sport across the state for years to come. I would also like to acknowledge The Gemba Group, one of Australia's leading sport and entertainment consultancies, for their expertise, guidance, and support in developing the NSWRL Infrastructure Strategy. NSWRL is fully committed to the implementation of this Infrastructure Strategy. We are confident that it will play a crucial role in creating a stronger foundation for thriving, inclusive and enjoyable Rugby League clubs across the state for years to come."

NSWRL Infrastructure Investment Strategy 2024-28

The NSWRL Infrastructure Strategy is an essential initiative that aligns with the broader 2024-26 NSWRL New State Strategic Plan. The strategy is underpinned by four strategic pillars and realised through 13 strategic priorities, driven by a vision to ensure all Rugby League club facilities and infrastructure across NSW and ACT are supported to enable growth in club engagement and participation at all levels. The pillars and key objectives are:

  • Elevate Facility playing Standards – Ensure a safe playing experience across all NSWRL clubs
  • Create More Inclusive Facilities – Create more inclusive environments across all Rugby League clubs
  • Unlock Additional Capacity – Grow capacity of Rugby League facilities to enable future growth
  • Create a More Connected Network – Create a More connected and aligned environment between NSWRL, clubs and Government

    Ensuring high-quality infrastructure across the network of 700 community clubs, servicing more than 117,000 participants, is crucial to ensuring clubs continue to provide safe, inclusive environments for participants of all genders and backgrounds, creating strong, lifelong community experiences for everyone. The proactive strategic actions outlined acknowledge that with the ongoing participation growth across the state along with future growth forecasts, there is additional pressure on already-stretched existing infrastructure and community facilities. The cornerstone of the Infrastructure Strategy is the establishment of the NSWRL Infrastructure Investment Fund (IIF) to provide much-needed funding support to Rugby League community clubs statewide.

    Overview of NSWRL Infrastructure Investment Fund

    What is the Infrastructure Investment Fund?
    The Infrastructure Investment Fund provides financial assistance for all eligible Rugby League community clubs across the state, with the aim of supporting the upgrade and improvement of their respective club facilities and infrastructure.

    How will the fund work?

    Fund creation:
    Contributions will be made by NSWRL to the dedicated Infrastructure Investment Fund of up to $2million per year NSWRL will seek co-contributions from other parties to supplement the fund.

    Priority Project Selection and Management:
    The fund will be administered by an Infrastructure Investment Fund Committee, comprising of key representatives from NSWRL and co-contributors Prior to the beginning of every financial year, the Infrastructure Investment Fund committee will select priority projects to receive funding support based on key selection criteria aligned with NSWRL’s Infrastructure Strategy.

    Decision-Making and Approvals Process

  • 1. Initial Screening NSWRL staff to conduct an initial review of all submissions to ensure eligibility and completeness.

  • 2. Detailed Review The Infrastructure Investment Fund Committee will conduct a detailed evaluation of each proposal based on proposed selection criteria.

  • 3. Board Approval The Infrastructure Investment Fund Committee to recommend selected projects by end of financial year to NSWRL Board for final approval.

  • 4. Project Monitoring Funded projects to be monitored to ensure the timely completion and compliance against criteria.

    Guidelines for Eligibility

    All Rugby League clubs across NSW and ACT are eligible to receive funding under the following guidelines and provisions:

  • Clubs have completed club facility audits and project priority submissions by end of the respective financial year
  • Clear demonstration of alignment to both NSWRL Infrastructure Strategy and Strategic Plan
  • Typical funding amounts granted per project may vary from $10k - $500k, with exceptions considered on an individual basis.

    Selection Criteria

  • Project Value and Scale
  • Expected scale of the project and project capital required.
  • Strategic Alignment
  • Extent of alignment to NSWRL’s Infrastructure Strategy.
  • Project Feasibility
  • Degree of effort for implementation and timelines.
  • Co-Funding Potential
  • To what extent are projects co-funded by other parties?

    Ref - NSWRL [Viewed 1 Dec 2024] / FN-3

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