The physical, social and mental wellbeing of Victorians across the state would benefit under a plan announced today by the Victorian Liberals and Nationals and AUSactive.

Two years of lockdowns and lockouts have caused a 60 per cent decline in exercise levels, as gym and studio closures, sports club cancellations and stay at home rules have kept people from getting active.

Furthermore, gyms, yoga, dance studios, swimming pools and more were consistently subjected to harsher restrictions than other businesses, leaving this sector one of the hardest hit from the pandemic.

The benefits of physical activity are well understood. Active people means better physical and mental health, improves social connectivity and supports tens of thousands of jobs across the State.

Therefore, the Victorian Liberals and Nationals in partnership with the exercise and active health peak body, AUSactive are calling on the State Government to deliver a financial support package to encourage people to get active.

This program could be modelled off recent dining or community sport vouchers and encourage participation and re-engagement with gyms, sport, active social events and more.

AUSactive economic modelling shows that every $1 invested in a fitness incentive would deliver more than a $3 benefit to the broader community.

Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party, David Southwick said supporting Victorians to get active again was an important step to recovering and rebuilding local communities, businesses and jobs.

“The world’s longest lockdown has left Victorians separated, inactive and the fitness sector on its knees.”

“The excise and active health industry delivers enormous benefits in terms of physical and mental health, social connectivity and careers.”

“This important sector has been left in the cold by the Andrews Labor Government for too long and we need a new plan to get people active once again.”

“Active communities are healthy communities and the sooner we get Victorians moving again the sooner we will recover and rebuild.”