Sport Australia has launched a strategic partnership with the peak national body of park management professionals to enhance community health and wellbeing through sport and physical activity.
The partnership agreement with Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) signed at PLA’s national conference in Perth, is planned to expand into a memorandum of understanding on the two organisation’s shared areas of interest.
Chief Executive of Sport Australia, Kate Palmer said the vision held by both organisations was a complementary one.
“Sport Australia’s vision is to make Australia the world’s most active sporting nation,” Ms Palmer said, “and that goes hand-in-hand with providing suitable spaces and facilities.”
She said developing safe and active spaces was a key priority for Sport Australia so it was looking forward to collaborating with PLA.
National President of PLA, Paul Jane said sport and recreation spaces were fundamental to the development of liveable, active and engaged communities.
“Australia is blessed with some wonderful spaces, including our natural outdoor resources, but we need to preserve and even enhance these if we want every Australian to enjoy the opportunity of an active, healthy lifestyle,” Mr Jane said.
“Parks, reserves, sport and recreation facilities, pathways and public spaces are essential to any community. They are places for physical activity, relaxation and social interaction, contributing to the health and wellbeing of Australians,” he said.
Under the new partnership, Sport Australia and PLA are to work collaboratively to identify ways to increase participation and build industry capability and management of community sport infrastructure.
