2020 Queensland Government Budget provides record funding for arts, sport and tourism

The Budget delivered by the Queensland Government yesterday has provided significant investment to back economic recovery and infrastructure to help the state emerge from the impact of COVID 19 with record funding for the arts, sport and tourism

Arts
The budget commits $290 million to the arts portfolio in 2020/21 with Queensland Minister for Communities and Housing, Minister for Digital Economy and Minister for the Arts, Leeanne Enoch stating “this investment supports Queensland’s diverse arts and cultural sector including investment in the state’s major collecting and cultural institutions, major performing arts companies and the small to medium arts sectors, and critical and transformative cultural infrastructure across the state.”

Arts Queensland 2020/21 budget allocations include:

• $22.5 million in new investment has been injected into the sector through the two-year $22.5 million Arts and Cultural Recovery Package, announced in June. This package is a down payment on Creative Together, our 10-year Roadmap to renew and transform Queensland through creativity, delivering key actions in its first two-year action plan: Sustain 2020-2022. $12.8 million in funding through this package has already been committed to 242 applicants.
• $21.15 million in 2020-21 for the delivery of the new performing arts venue, with 1500 capacity and supporting more than 100 jobs for Queenslanders

Environment
A further $40 million will be invested in 2020/21 to protect the Great Barrier Reef and other natural assets with allocations to include:

The funding will support:

• An innovative $10 million Reef Credits initiative to drive on-ground restoration and environmental market development projects
• A $10 million Reef Assist program working with local councils and organisations
• A new $6 million Great Barrier Reef Island Arks program to deliver ecotourism and acquire new protected areas
• $3.9 million to develop ‘sailing trails’ around Townsville and the Whitsundays; and 
• $10.1 million for upgrades to National Parks and World Heritage Areas, including: a cultural tourism centre with camping and a bush tucker tour on K’gari (Fraser Island); campground and walking track upgrades in the Sunshine Coast hinterland; a new cultural interpretation centre and tourism offerings with Traditional Owners in Southern Queensland’s Gondwana Rainforest and a tourism hub and visitor centre in the Daintree National Park.

Racing 
The Budget will deliver a $42 million in additional funding for the state’s racing industry, with Queensland Racing Minister Grace Grace advising that the allocation includes $17.6 million for country racing clubs across Queensland as part of the six year $105.6 million Country Racing Program.

Minister Grace advised “this year’s state Budget will see $6.93 million expended to complete the $24.8 million commitment to deliver capital works at Ipswich Turf Club's Bundamba Racecourse.

“The Budget features $1.5 million to provide new raceday stalls as part of the redevelopment of Cluden Park in Townsville.

“Design and feasibility work worth $790,000 has also been allocated for the Gold Coast Turf Club Tracks and Lights Project, as part of the recently announced $31.5 million commitment to the redevelopment.

“And $4.87 million, as part of a $39 million commitment to construct the Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre near Ipswich, has been provided to ensure the viability and vitality of the industry, while also improving animal welfare.”

Sport
Queensland Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport Stirling Hinchliffe said the Budget would make a record investment in sport and recreation infrastructure, noting “we’re committing $20 million - contingent on matching Federal Government funding - to stage one of Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade in a boost for construction jobs and additional capacity for NRL, A-League and rugby union events.

“The Budget also invests $15 million into a partnership to transformation historic Ballymore into a high-performance centre and a new home for women’s rugby and the Wallaroos (and we are) also putting $2 million into new broadcast quality floodlighting at Redcliffe’s Dolphin Stadium to turbocharge their NRL bid and attract new events.

“Dolphin Stadium will be home of the A-League’s Brisbane Roar in season 2020/21. 

“And, $4 million for the Townsville Sailing Club to refurbish their building and buy land to create an aquatic sports precinct on the Strand, bringing together 20 clubs.”    

Advising of the allocation of more than $111 million for sport and recreation over four years, Minister Hinchliffe added “there are several smaller projects that make a big difference in local communities.”

Infrastructure projects include:

• Currumbin Vikings Surf Life Saving - $2 million for new nippers’ club house
• Etty Bay Surf Live Saving Club - $114,000 for a new roof
• Townsville basketball - $566,000 upgrade at Murray Sports Complex
• Kedron Lions AFL - $100,000 for field upgrade
• Aspley Hornets - $100,000 club upgrade to join national second tier comp
• Douglas United Dragons - $150,000 for new lighting
• Estates Mighty Knights Soccer Townsville - $400,000 lighting and changerooms
• Peninsula Cricket Club - $400,000 for new lights
• Cairns Junior Rugby League - $500,000 to upgrade building and Jones Park
• Ipswich BMX - $500,000 for new clubhouse and canteen for international events
• Caloundra AFL - replace timber light poles and upgrade female changerooms
• Ellis Beach Nippers - $1.5 million for water services to enable a clubhouse

Minister Hinchliffe said the Budget would commit $36 million over four years to Surf Lifesaving Queensland, noting “this is an increase on past funding and its timely as we fast-track the economic recovery of our tourism industry.

“Keeping the State safe during the pandemic has meant Queenslanders have been Good to Go - to enjoy our beaches on day outings or longer trips.

“I know every Queenslander is proud and grateful for the work of our 30,000 volunteer Surf Life Savers who help keep our beaches safe.

“Last year almost four thousand lives were saved by our Surf Life Savers, and you can’t put a price on that.

“This investment means everyone, from nippers to ironmen, from day trippers to tourists can enjoy one of our state’s best assets.”  

Tourism
A further $74 million will be invested in the 2020/21 Budget to back the recovery of Queensland’s tourism industry.

Minister Hinchliffe said the Budget’s Rebuilding Queensland Tourism Investment would help accelerate growth and restore jobs, advising “right now, we’re seeing encouraging signs of recovery with the Government securing new flights to help drive visitation and bookings for summer.

“Our $15 million Aviation Recovery Fund is already supporting 173,181 inbound seats, an estimated $66.1 million in overnight visitor spending and more than 500 jobs, but we’re doing more.”    

Minister Hinchliffe said the Budget would include a new $20 million Queensland Tourism Activation Fund, noting “the fund will generate new tourism opportunities for destinations around Queensland (while) a further $20 million Events Boost will support the It’s Live In Queensland major events calendar and investment in business events.

“Tourism and Events Queensland will also receive $15 million for a marketing blitz to encourage more Australians to experience a Queensland holiday.

“We’re also committing a one-off injection of a further $15 million to regional tourism organisations to help them identify a point of difference and target new visitors.”

Budget highlights for tourism:

• $5 million in grants to support regional tourism operators
• $25 million Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund
• $15 million in aviation industry support
• $7 million to assist Indigenous tourism programs
• $20 million over four years for a Tourism Aviation Fund
• $20 million over four years will assist event attractions
• $15 million will establish a regional tourism organisation fund
• $40 million for the Great Barrier Reef
• $10 million for a Reef Assist Program
• $6 million over four years for the GBR Island Arks projects
• $27.1 million allocated to support reef water quality

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Images: $2 million into new broadcast quality floodlighting at Redcliffe’s Dolphin Stadium (top) butterfly in the Daintree National Park (middle) and Lady Elliot Island on the Great Barrier Reef (below).