Final round of Wollongong 2022 Legacy Partnership Program open

Heathcote Electorate media release: Friday, 25 February 2022

The final round of the UCI Road World Championships Legacy Partnership Program has opened with up to $220,000 available to Illawarra organisations.

The UCI Road World Championships Legacy Partnership Program is a three-year initiative of the Local Organising Committee, Wollongong 2022 in collaboration with the NSW Government to deliver innovative programs and projects that promote cycling throughout the Illawarra.

Member for Heathcote Lee Evans said the Legacy Partnership Program was leaving a mark on cycling in the Illawarra.

“Since the launch of the Legacy Partnership Program, 14 projects have benefitted from $200,000 to promote cycling and enhance bike safety across the region,” Mr Evans said.

“This includes the resurfacing of the BMX track at Croome Sporting Complex, upgrades to the bicycle pump-track at Kangaroo Valley and upgrades to facilities at Unanderra Velodrome.

“So, make sure you take advantage of this fantastic opportunity and get your application for Round 3 in.”

Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres urged Illawarra organisations to be part of ensuring a positive legacy is created from hosting 2022 UCI Road World Championships in September this year.

“The UCI Road World Championships is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for the region. Through the Legacy Partnership Program, we are ensuring the event leaves a lasting legacy for cycling in the Illawarra,” Mr Ayres said.

“This is the last chance for organisations to secure funding for projects that will cement the region’s position as a cycling capital, so I encourage them to get involved.”

Chair of the Wollongong 2022 Organising Committee, Dean Dalla Valle encouraged local organisations, businesses, schools and community groups to embrace this unique opportunity.

“We meet and hear about so many fantastic community leaders who are recognising the social, environmental, physical and mental benefits of cycling by incorporating bike riding into their local activities.

“The Legacy Partnership Program could be the springboard to take these initiatives to another level, or to get new organisations involved and provide even more cycling-oriented activities for Illawarra families, residents and visitors.”

AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner said, “‘The eyes of the world will be focused on Wollongong in September and we can’t wait to see the very best riders battling it out.

Building from the excitement of the event is critical and that’s why this legacy program is so important.

We encourage all Illawarra’s riding and cycling organisations to grasp this final opportunity.’’

Funding is available for projects in Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven , Wingecarribee and Wollondily local government areas. Grants of $10,000 - $50,000 are available with recipients required to provide a 50 per cent co-contribution to the project.

Round 3 of the UCI Road World Championships Legacy Partnership Program closes on 24 March. For further information and to apply visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/2022-uci-road-world-championships-%E2%80%93-wollongong-legacy-partnership-program