More than $26 million to be invested in Queensland community sport and active recreation

The Queensland Government, over the coming months, is investing more than $26 million in community sport and active recreation clubs to encourage more young Queenslanders to stay active and healthy.

A new sport infrastructure program will be launched by the Queensland Government on 31st January offering grants from $50,000 to $415,000 for smaller club projects including lighting, ramps and pathways, cycle trails, skate parks, fixed exercise equipment, court upgrades and change rooms.

Grants under the inaugural round of the Queensland Government’s $14.6 million Minor Infrastructure Program are open to community-based sport and active recreation clubs, state and national level sporting organisations and local councils.

Shovel ready projects valued up to $1 million will be considered for the new Minor Infrastructure Program with successful applicants contributing up to 20% of total project costs.

Applications for funding close on 2nd March with successful projects to be completed within 18 months.

The third round of the Queensland Government’s Active Clubs program opens on 1st February with grants of up to $2,500 for 2,000 community sporting clubs.

The $5 million program is designed to help clubs with the cost of new on and off-field equipment, accreditation courses for coaches, club officials and volunteers, and initiatives like come-and-try events to attract new members.

Queensland Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe launched the new funding programs for community not-for-profit sporting clubs today with Local State Member for Cooper Jonty Bush at Bardon Latrobe Football Club.

Bush said new training standard field lighting was currently under construction at Bardon Latrobe FC following a $104,000 investment by the Queensland Government.

“Sporting clubs like Bardon Latrobe FC are very important for keeping Queenslanders of all ages active and healthy, and connected with their local community,” Bush said.

“Over recent years, the Palaszczuk Government has invested almost $380,000 in Bardon Latrobe FC including two new change rooms, aluminium seating, Active Clubs funding and $5,400 in FairPlay vouchers.

“It’s wonderful to see construction of Bardon Latrobe’s new field lights underway to help the club build in new training flexibility and attract new members.”

The first round of FairPlay for 2023 has also been launched with up to 46,000 vouchers worth almost $7 million to help low-income Queensland families with the cost of sport and active recreation sign on fees up to $150.

Applications for FairPlay vouchers are open to parents, carers and guardians with a current Services Australia Health Care Card or a Pensioner Concession Card for students aged five to 17 years.

Minister Hinchliffe notes “we don’t want to see financial circumstances be a barrier to young Queenslanders getting on a team, connecting with friends, and staying active and healthy.

“Whether it’s getting involved in scouts, surf lifesaving, tennis, martial arts, AFL or rugby league, there are hundreds of sporting options and clubs accepting FairPlay vouchers in 2023.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s investment of more than $26 million in local sport and active recreation is part of our ten-year Activate! Queensland strategy to get more Queenslanders moving more often.

“A new generation of active and healthy Queenslanders engaged in their communities is one of the legacies we want to achieve from our green and gold runway to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“We’re making 2023 a winning year for community sport and active recreation.”

More information on round one of the Minor Infrastructure Program is at www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/minor-infrastructure-program

For more information on Active Clubs go to www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/active-clubs

Clubs and recreation providers participating in FairPlay and more information about family eligibility can be found at www.qld.gov.au/fairplayvouchers