$35.8 million sports bonanza for Queensland communities: Fraser

March 13 2007

$35.8 million sports bonanza for Queensland communities: Fraser

The Brisbane Bullets have broken a 20-year-drought to claim the NBL championship, the Queensland Bulls have conquered their own sporting summit to win the Ford Ranger One Day Cup and on Friday, the Broncos kick off their defence of the NRL championship.

And – at a time when it has never been better to be a sports loving Queenslander – the State Government today allocated $35.8 million to 175 sporting projects throughout the state under the Major Facilities and Local Sport and Recreation funding programs.

“It’s a sporting bonanza for Queensland at the moment and today’s funding is the icing on the cake,” Sport Minister Andrew Fraser said today while announcing the funding package.

“On Friday night the Broncos kick-off their championship defence against the North Queensland Cowboys and the Gold Coast Titans, the NRL’s newest team, will make history with their debut game on Sunday.

“Queensland’s Open Women’s Softball team was also successful in winning the national title and just to highlight the depth of softball in this state, the Under 16 Girls Softball team was also victorious.

“When it comes to swimming, Queensland is sure to once again stamp its domination on the world stage when the World Swimming Championships start on Saturday.

“Today’s funding announcement will go a long way toward continuing Queensland’s domination across a range of sports.

“This is a not only a major Beattie Government commitment to the sporting facilities our towns and cities deserve but an investment in future generations of Queenslanders.

“The government has a strong and proven commitment to getting our kids out from in front of their televisions and getting them active and interested in sport.

“We want to encourage people to develop a passion for physical activity at a young age so that they can carry it through into their adult life.

“This funding also ensures Queenslanders have good access to sporting facilities in their local communities which makes it easier for people to get involved in sport and active recreation.”

Mr Fraser said the key highlights of the $35.8 million package included:

• $10 million to Townsville City Council to redevelop the Murray Sports Complex

• $4.5 million to Brisbane City Council for public swimming pools at Colmslie, Mt Gravatt and Runcorn

• $2 million to Toowoomba Sport Ground to redevelop Clive Berghofer Stadium

• $1.5 million to Broadsound Shire Council for a multi-purpose sport and recreation centre in Dysart

• $1.5 million to the Redcliffe Dolphins Rugby League Club towards the construction of a public swimming pool

• $1 million to Cardwell Shire Council for a multi-purpose indoor-outdoor sports centre at TullyStateHigh School

Mr Fraser said a wide range of community organisations and councils had also received funding to conduct physical activity programs in their local area.

“There are a host of smaller grants to help councils stage physical activity programs in their area.

“It’s crucial we recognise and support sport – from the grass roots to major stadiums.

“Giving Queenslanders easier access to better sporting and recreation facilities is a fundamental and deserved element of community life.”

Media Contact Chris Taylor 3227 8825

Selina Steele 3224 6509