Starting gun fired on next generation of Queensland gold medalists

The Palaszczuk Government has today unveiled its 10-year sport and recreation strategy to put more Queenslanders on the path to Olympic greatness.

Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said the Activate! Queensland 2019-2029 strategy sets the scene for success from grassroots activity right through to elite level, and beyond.

“Activate! Queensland is a whole of government approach that will see $506.4 million invested over the next three years to get all Queenslanders more physically active, more often,” he said.

Minister de Brenni said that the actions of the Palaszczuk Government could decide who was standing on the podium at the 2032 Olympics.

“We’re investing in the success of Queenslanders, whether that’s breaking down the financial barriers to getting involved, or investing in high performance facilities and programs, we’re backing local athletes every step of the way."

Under Activate! Queensland, local kids will have greater opportunities for participation as the Palaszczuk Government supports them to get off the sidelines and into the game.

With fewer than half of Queensland’s children active for the recommended one hour or more each day, Minister de Brenni said that many young Queenslanders were facing challenges in getting involved in sport or active recreation.

“We all know the benefits of physical activity for school-aged children. In addition to good health, active kids do better in the classroom and are less likely to get into trouble outside of school. But many of our State’s most disadvantaged kids are missing out.

“This is why we’refunding sign on fees with $150 FairPlay vouchers for more than 56,000 kids from low-income families to participate in physical activity, as well as the national-first $500 FairPlay+ vouchers in 2020 for kids facing the greatest barriers.”

By investing $24 million into the new Community Use of Schools and Active Schools initiatives, the Palaszczuk Government is breaking down further barriers to getting kids active.

Schools and clubs are set to benefit from sporting infrastructure projects and new staff dedicated to reducing the administrative burden, and kids will benefit from enhanced physical activity education and access to first-class sporting facilities.

“Through these new initiatives, kids will be able to walk out of their classroom and right onto the sporting field, with coordination with community clubs being key”, said Minister de Brenni. Four schools have been selected for a pilot of the Community Use of Schools initiative, with twelve further projects to be delivered by 2022," Mr de Brenni said.

Queensland local sporting infrastructure is set to receive a huge boost with the Palaszczuk Government investing $40 million on 150 community infrastructure projects across the State.

Minister de Brenni noted that collaboration with local communities would be at the heart of the infrastructure investment.

“By listening to clubs, families, and sportspeople across the State, we’ve identified how to develop infrastructure solutions that promote active participation opportunities for all Queenslanders.

“Time and time again we heard frustration regarding the hoops that clubs need to jump through to receive funding, so we’re breaking down this barrier and making it easier for clubs to apply.

“This means less red-tape, more certainty for clubs, and less delays before the starting siren rings out”.

To ensure Queensland’s athletes stay at the top on the world stage, Activate! Queensland will invest $44.5 million to fund sporting excellence.

With the exciting prospect of a potential 2032 Olympics, Minister de Brenni recognised the importance of establishing Queensland as a national leader of sport science and programs.

“By working with the Queensland Academy of Sport and State level organisations, we will back our local elite athletes and ensure that they have access to world-class technology, coaching, and high-performance programs.

“And, with ongoing investment in Queensland stadiums – like the $35 million redevelopment of the Gabba – athletes will be able to showcase their skills in world-class facilities.

“This investment will see Queensland’s sporting facilities setting the new gold-standard.”

ENDS

Media contact: Rosie Gilbert – 0466 834 330