AFL Grand Final Legacy delivers sport infrastructure projects in Queensland

Queensland’s historic 2020 AFL Grand Final sees community AFL supported by the State Government and AFL partnership's delivery of 25 club infrastructure projects via the Grand Final Facilities Fund.

The Queensland Government’s commitment to community AFL is part of the 2020 AFL Grand Final Legacy that saw the majority of AFL games held in Queensland as a result of the impact of COVID-19 across Australia.

The Queensland Government invested $4 million in the Grand Final Facilities Fund with the AFL committed to matching this Government investment to improve the experience of participants who play AFL across Queensland.

The AFL Queensland Grand Final Facilities Fund provides funding to assist local governments, grassroots community Australian football clubs, umpiring organisations and schools to develop AFL facilities across Queensland.

Local State Member for Nudgee Leanne Linard said the AFL Grand Final Facilities Fund and a $100,000 Queensland Government election commitment had helped Kedron AFL upgrade their oval.

“The oval renovation and new irrigation at the Kedron Lions are part of The Gabba’s 2020 AFL Grand Final legacy,” Linard said.

“Some 500 tonnes of sand were laid under 17,500 metre2 of hard-wearing Wintergreen couch turf with the Lions also putting in a new sprinkler and pump system.

“Club members raised $35,000 toward the Kedron oval upgrade and qualified for $40,000 from AFL Grand Final Facilities Fund.

“We’ve delivered on the Palaszczuk Government’s $100,000 election commitment to the Kedron Lions with $32,000 also secured from the Community Gambling Benefit Fund and $120,000 from Brisbane City Council.

“This community partnership is a great win for the club’s 494 registered players including Lady Lions, juniors and colts.”

Local State Member for Stafford Jimmy Sullivan said Kedron Lions football season was off to a flying start and added “I can’t think of a better way to kick off the 2022 season than running onto a first-class oval inspired by the legacy of The Gabba’s history-making 2020 AFL Grand Final.

“We want to encourage more girls and women to get onto an AFL oval and bring their best game to their local club.

“Girls and women currently make up 42% of player rosters at community AFL clubs in Queensland.

“And we know when girls and women have access to female friendly community sport infrastructure, they’re more likely to join a club, stay active and excel.”

The Hinterland AFL Club completed the AFL Grand Final Facilities Fund’s first infrastructure project, a new clubhouse and changerooms.

Sunshine Coast Regional Council provided funding to raise Hinterland AFL’s Palmwoods home above the Q100 flood level.

The AFL Grand Final Facilities Fund has delivered new field lighting at Wilston-Grange AFL Club and oval upgrades at Coorparoo, Morningside and Southport, to name a few.

Queensland Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the AFL and the Queensland Government had invested $8 million in the Grand Final Facilities Fund.

“It’s terrific to see community AFL clubs and players continuing to benefit in a tangible way from the 2020 AFL Grand Final,” Hinchliffe said.

“Queensland helped save the 2020 AFL season from the Covid pandemic and this fund is one of the great legacies to come out of it.

“The Palaszczuk Government and the Australian Football League each put $4 million into the AFL Grand Final Facilities Fund.

“To grow the game, quality field lighting, change rooms, ovals and irrigation are being rolled out at community AFL clubs across Queensland.

“Work on AFL infrastructure is underway in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Mount Isa, Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Toowoomba.

“These projects are co-funded by clubs themselves to qualify for Grand Final legacy funding and encourage community ownership of upgraded football infrastructure.”

Trish Squires from AFL Queensland said the Grand Final Facilities Fund had been welcomed by community clubs around the State.

“It allows our team to work with clubs through the planning, funding and delivery phases to ensure club facilities are fit for purpose,” Squires.

“We know having safe and inclusive facilities is crucial to attracting and retaining players all of which helps to build healthy, active and welcoming communities.

“With more people playing AFL in Queensland than ever before, there is still much work to be done.

“We are an inclusive sport, our female pathways run from NAB AFL Auskick through to AFLW.”

For more information about the AFL Queensland Grand Final Facilities Fund, go to aflq.com.au/facilities-infrastructure/facilities-planning/

Image: Queensland Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe with Kedron Lions players and Member for Nudgee Leanne Linard and Member for Stafford Jimmy Sullivan