Mareeba pool heating and Roma campdrafting lighting among 104 projects to receive Queensland Government funding 

Through the Active Gameday Projects fund, the Queensland Government is investing more than $9.7 million to build and upgrade playing infrastructure for 104 Queensland sport and active recreation clubs and local governments which includes heating for the Mareeba pool (Mareeba Aquatic Centre is located in the Tablelands region just one hour from Cairns) and 100 lux lighting for Roma campdrafting (a unique Australian sport involving a horse and rider working cattle).

Some of the other projects being funded include helping the Hervey Bay Golf Club upgrade its green; boosting lighting for AFL and cricket at Boyne Island; building a 400-metre running track, long jump pits, discus enclosure and shotput circles at Herbert River Athletics in Ingham.

Active Gameday Projects also include hardcourts for pickleball in Bundaberg West, pitch drainage and irrigation for soccer in Cooroy, and a new rugby league field at Harrisville.

QLD Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said Active Gameday Project partnerships were helping clubs across Queensland with local Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plans.   

“Local clubs and councils are an important part of Queensland communities and critical to keeping Queenslanders of all ages and abilities active,” Minister Hinchliffe said.

“We know when clubs and councils enhance their playing infrastructure, more Queenslanders sign up and build better community connections.

“The Active Gameday Projects fund helps to deliver the upgrades that make team sport and recreation experiences more enjoyable.

“It means quality playing surfaces that are well lit, irrigated and drain better after rain.    

“There are 104 sport infrastructure projects worth almost $10 million from Queensland’s southern border to Longreach in the Outback and Hope Vale on the Cape.”

Minister Hinchliffe said clubs and councils had typically received between $50,000 and $150,000 for Active Gameday Project partnerships.

“In this round we’ve picked upgrades that encourage the sharing of sporting infrastructure between Queensland clubs and schools,” Minister Hinchliffe said.

“By sharing, more Queenslanders get to use and enjoy new and upgraded facilities.

“Where possible, Active Gameday Projects are building with local contractors and suppliers to maximise economic benefits for community Covid-19 recovery plans.

Most clubs, organisations and councils have contributed up to 20% to their Active Gameday Projects.

For more information, visit: www.dtis.qld.gov.au/sport/funding-programs/active-gameday-projects

Image top: Mareeba Pool, and image above Roma campdrafting