Victoria’s creative industries, major events, sporting calendar and live music scene are world class, attracting millions of visitors, creating thousands of jobs and boosting our state’s economy.
It doesn’t happen by chance – that’s why the Allan Labor Government is investing more than $318.6 million in the Victorian Budget 2024/25 to maintain our reputation as Australia’s home of sport and entertainment.
We’re supporting Victoria’s world-leading cultural institutions with a $128.4 million package – all while continuing to transform our Arts Precincts through the $1.7 billion investment in the Melbourne Arts Transformation Project.
We’re also backing our iconic sporting centres – from Kardinia Park to Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, our State Netball and Hockey Centre and the Victorian Institute of Sport – with $90.4 million so they can continue serving hundreds of thousands of Victorians each year.
This investment also prepares for the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre’s opening in 2026 – a huge new events space bringing conferences, entertainment and live music to the city.
Sporting clubs are the lifeblood of our communities. It’s why we’re investing $17.5 million to back more local clubs, players and fans – improving the ovals, pavilions, courts and changerooms that build future sporting stars.
This includes the continuation of our Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, alongside basketball hubs in seven locations across Victoria, and the popular Country Football and Netball Program – a longstanding partnership between the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria to get more Victorians involved across the state.
We know that with cost-of-living pressures, our Get Active Kids Vouchers have made it easier for families to keep their kids playing the sports they love. That’s why we’re investing $6 million to help more families get their kids involved in local sport – with vouchers supporting kids’ participation, equipment and uniforms for sport.
Victoria’s major events are second to none – in 2023 Victoria had a record high of $37.8 billion in tourism spending, delivering massive boosts to local businesses and local jobs. We continue to secure the biggest and best major events and this year’s calendar is no exception – featuring the 2024 Australian Open, the Matildas Olympic Qualifier, Yayoi Kusama and NRL State of Origin.
This Budget will invest $32.5 million to support Visit Victoria to continue attracting visitors to our state – supporting thousands of Victorians’ jobs.
We’re also investing $9.4 million, which includes support to continue hosting business events and driving bigger business communities to our state.
Across the state, $3.3 million will ensure our Visitor Economy Partnerships can continue to promote our great regional communities, attracting more tourists and more tourism dollars.