Arabic version: الأندية الرياضية في أستراليا الغربية تطلب دعم الحكومة بسبب ارتفاع تكاليف الوقود
Community sports clubs in Western Australia are facing a decline in participation as rising fuel prices deter players from attending training and competitions. According to ABC News, the state’s peak sporting body has urged the government to implement targeted subsidies to maintain accessibility in sports.
The impact of high fuel costs is particularly pronounced in regional areas, where travel distances are significant. Lois Garner, a parent of a teenage basketball player, highlighted the increased financial burden on families, noting that trips to training sessions in Perth have skyrocketed from approximately $100 to $150 each way. This has led to overall costs of around $500 for a single training session, including fuel, accommodation, and food.
Rob Kennedy, the chief executive of Equestrian WA, reported a noticeable drop in event participation, particularly for horse riders who face not only high fuel prices but also the challenge of towing heavy equipment. A recent show jumping event near Yallingup saw attendance halved, raising concerns about the sustainability of such events.
Troy Kirkham, head of SportWest, emphasized the need for financial assistance to alleviate the burden on community sports. He expressed concern that rising costs could lead to reduced accessibility, potentially excluding individuals from participating in sports altogether. Kirkham called for local governments to provide transport solutions for regional teams and for the state government to enhance existing funding mechanisms to offset travel expenses.
In response to these challenges, Minister for Sport and Recreation Rita Saffioti acknowledged the pressures of cost-of-living increases on Western Australians and indicated that support measures would be addressed in the upcoming state budget. Meanwhile, some local football clubs are taking proactive steps to ensure their teams can compete by increasing financial support for traveling players.
