Leisure Programs to provide jobs, infrastructure and a healthier Queensland

The Queensland Government has announced a new package of sport and recreation funding programs to deliver more than $138 million to create jobs, help build infrastructure and deliver initiatives to encourage Queenslanders to take part in sport and recreation activities.
Queensland Sports Minister Phil Reeves said the sports funding programs would generate more than 500 jobs over the next three years, stating "four new programs will fund sporting clubs and recreation organisations, councils and schools to help them increase participation, recruit volunteers, and encourage disadvantaged communities to participate in sport.
"Community groups will also be eligible for some funding programs.
"Weâre committed to providing opportunities for as many people as possible to get active to help make Queenslanders Australiaâs healthiest people."
The new programs, providing funding over a three year period, include:
*$38 million Local Sport and Recreation Jobs plan: this plan will contribute to employment costs of a Local Sport and Recreation coordinator who will help organisations with matters such as fundraising, promotional activities and sponsorships at the grassroots level.
*$51.5 million Sport and Recreation Infrastructure program: funding will be provided for capital works infrastructure to encourage participation in sport and recreation. This funding will go towards the cost of facilities such as playing fields, lighting for ovals or tennis courts.
*$27.6 million State Sport and Recreation Organisation Development Program: state level sport and recreation bodies will be eligible to apply for funding to help encourage participation in sport and recreation across Queensland and at the local level.
*$18 million Active Inclusion Program: this funding will be available for local organisations to encourage disadvantaged groups to participate in sport and recreation. This may include funding to establish local sporting competitions, or to help provide more equitable access for people with a disability to participate in sport and recreation.
Minister Reeves said the new-look programs were the result of a review carried out in late 2009 to ensure sport and recreation funding effectively meets the needs of local Queensland communities.
"The Bligh Government provides more funding to sport and recreation than any other state and the new programs will boost the opportunities for Queenslanders from all walks of life to be involved in sport and recreation activities.
"The new programs mean the amount of funding sporting clubs will have access to for minor capital works has more than doubled and more organisations can apply for funding than ever before.
"The funding will also help deliver jobs for Queenslanders through the employment of local sport and recreation coordinators and infrastructure development.
"There will also be $3 million allocated to industry development."
Minister Reeves said the funding programs were due to be released between March and April 2010, adding "workshops will be held throughout the State over the coming months to explain the new programs to sport and recreation stakeholders, and to help them to apply for appropriate funding.
"The new programs will also help the Bligh Governmentâs Toward Q2: Tomorrowâs Queensland aim of cutting obesity by one third by 2020."
The new programs will be in addition to the existing Young Athletes Assistance Program and the Disaster Assistance Program that will continue to be available.
For more information about the workshops, and changes to sport and recreation funding, call 1300 656 191.

http://www.sportrec.qld.gov.au