SEA momentum builds: partnerships, planning and practical action across sport
Summary: A renewed partnership with VicReturn, an ESG workshop with Carlton Football Club and progress on national infrastructure planning marked a strong month for Sports Environment Alliance, alongside major work advancing The Green Game Plan and potential support for the future Game On funding program.
Sports Environment Alliance (SEA) had a significant month last month, bringing members and partners together to accelerate practical sustainability action across community sport, major venues and national planning.
From container returns and venue design to infrastructure policy and new recognition frameworks, the message was consistent: the sport sector is ready to do more, and it is looking for clear pathways to act.
Renewed partnership with VicReturn to lift container returns in sport
SEA renewed its partnership with VicReturn, operator of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, and spent two days together exploring how sport can increase container returns, from local clubs and aquatic centres to major stadiums and event venues.
Every eligible container collected reduces waste, supports the circular economy and returns 10 cents to communities. For sport, that creates a simple way to turn everyday behaviour into visible environmental and social impact.
SEA’s goal is to make container collection easier, more visible and more valuable in sporting settings, whether at a junior footy club, leisure centre, netball association or major venue.
ESG workshop with Carlton FC and members, plus design innovation insights
SEA joined Carlton Football Club, together with 12 SEA members and partners, for an ESG workshop focused on what environmental, social and governance action looks like in practice for sporting organisations.
The session also included a presentation from SEA partner Populous on sustainability-led design innovation and the success of IKON Park, home of Carlton FC. The takeaway was clear: stronger outcomes start early, with decisions in design, planning and redevelopment, not only in day-to-day operations.
Shaping the National Sport Infrastructure Action Plan
SEA is continuing its work with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) on the future National Sport Infrastructure Action Plan. More than 40 people attended the joint ASC–SEA workshop and engagement session, focused on the Climate and Planet outcome for sport.
SEA is also contributing to the ational advisory group alongside several SEA member partners, helping embed sport and sustainability perspectives in future infrastructure planning.
Behind the scenes: The Green Game Plan and future funding opportunities
SEA is finalising The Green Game Plan, its flagship membership recognition program. Built by the sector for the industry, the three-tier framework will help Australian sporting organisations take practical, meaningful environmental action, and be recognised for progress.
The program is designed to meet organisations where they are, recognising that community clubs, state bodies, leagues, venues and national organisations have different capacities and starting points.
SEA also submitted a tender to support the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water as Program Support Provider for the future Game On funding program. If successful, SEA could help build awareness of the program, encourage co-funding for community sport facility upgrades and support clubs to participate.
What this means for the sector
Sport has enormous reach across communities, venues, volunteers, fans, athletes and partners. Converting that reach into meaningful environmental outcomes takes coordination, practical tools and collaboration, and SEA is helping bring those elements together.
Want to get involved? If you are a sporting organisation, venue, club or partner interested in container return initiatives, ESG capability, sustainable infrastructure planning or The Green Game Plan, we’d love to hear from you.