Published Friday, 21 December, 2007 at 03:45 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Spence announces $29 million in funding for Queensland sport
Sport Minister Judy Spence has today announced more than $29 million in State Government funding to go towards Queensland’s sporting organisations.
Ms Spence said the significant boost for the state’s sport and active recreation bodies will ensure Queenslander’s continue to have better access to sporting opportunities, than any other state in Australia.
The funding will be provided to organisations, over a three year period, through the Government’s Sport and Recreation Development Program 2008-2010.
“This substantial funding package is proof of this government commitment to creating a healthy and active Queensland for all,” Ms Spence said.
“The funding going to organisations across the state will help them to achieve their strategic goals, leading to increased membership and better opportunities for the community.
“This funding will allow the organisations to improve their management practices and training systems, and also provide pathways for athletes, coaches and officials to reach the highest levels of their sport.
“By providing improved access to sporting programs and facilities in local communities, we can make it easier for people to get involved in sport and active recreation, which plays an integral part in strengthening our communities and delivering positive health outcomes.”
Ms Spence said some of the big winners in participation sports include Queensland Basketball, Queensland Gymnastics, and Queensland Netball – with each organisation receiving $900,000 or more, to increase membership and improve competitions, as well as develop coaching and refereeing skills.
“This funding will see new innovative sporting programs developed, including a ‘NetSetGo’ netball program for rural areas and a statewide ‘come and try’ basketball program incorporating a ‘3 on 3’ competition in local areas.
“The $945,000 for Queensland Gymnastics will see new and improved adult and disability gymnastic programs.
“We want people in all parts of the state to have access to excellent sporting opportunities – and this funding ensures major organisations can deliver on this commitment.”
Ms Spence said the state’s elite and aspiring tennis players will benefit with an increase in the number of accredited coaches.
“Today’s announcement of $819,400 for Royal Queensland Lawn Tennis Association will see improved tournaments in the years ahead, and greater access for all players,” Ms Spence said.
“Cricket will also receive a massive boost with $876,822 going to Queensland Cricket, to increase participation among juniors, seniors and females. Their current website will be improved and a new junior cricket resource specifically for pre-school teachers will also be developed.
“In addition, indoor cricket will receive $411,000 to create greater links with the community and to implement a talent recognition strategy.”
Ms Spence said all football codes will benefit with Football Queensland receiving $810,000, AFL Queensland $862,500, Queensland Rugby Union $795,000 and Queensland Rugby League $750,000.
“This funding will provide a better football experience for all players, with increased participation opportunities throughout Queensland, improved governance and volunteer arrangements, and more support for referees, coaches and first aid officers.
“The grant to AFL Queensland will see a modified version of Aussie Rules delivered in Western Queensland, and the grant for rugby union will see a state facilities plan and a health check program developed.
“Hockey Queensland will be now be able to increase participation levels, improve coaching and officiating standards, provide structured competition for rural and remote communities and provide greater services to regional clubs, with $825,000 in funding for the organisation.
“$802,500 is also being injected into the sport of golf, to nurture increased participation among school students, women and girls, people with disabilities, and people in rural and remote areas.”
Ms Spence said the equine sports industry is being given a helping hand, after a very challenging year, with Equestrian Federation of Australia (Queensland Branch) receiving $480,000, Queensland Endurance Riders Association Incorporated receiving $120,000, Australian Trail Horse Riders (Queensland Branch) $60,000, Riding for the Disabled Association of Queensland Incorporated $404,901 and Queensland Polocrosse Association receiving $282,000.
“This funding will be used to increase junior membership, provide best practice events and competitions, and maintain sound financial management, in a field which has gone through a very difficult period.”
Ms Spence said indoor recreational sports will reap the benefits of $23,000 going to Dance Sports Queensland, $75,000 to ice skating, and $192,445 to badminton.
“In Queensland we have a diverse range of sporting interests, and we want to ensure all areas are well supported,” Ms Spence said.
“This government recognises the growing popularity of non-competitive outdoor recreation pursuits, and that is why we are providing $32,337 for Mountain Bike Australia, $30,000 for Queensland Rogaine Association and $15,000 for Queensland Rope Skipping Association.
“Water sports are receiving a boost, with $421,462 for Queensland Canoeing to develop programs in Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Maryborough, and to develop a canoe trails book.
“The Queensland Yachting Association will also receive $465,000, while the Dragon Boat Federation will receive $199,500, Outrigger Canoe Racing Association will receive $90,000, and the Australian Rafting Federation, $60,000.”
Ms Spence said special needs sporting organisations will also benefit with $645,000 going to the Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Sport and Recreation Association of Queensland, $423,139 going to the Lifestream Foundation and $318,000 going to Deaf Sports and Recreation Queensland.
“This will help increase participation and improve junior sporting opportunities, and will help more people with disabilities participate in everyday physical activity,” Ms Spence said.
“More people will also be able to participate in the Australian Deaf and Deaflympic Games, an Auslan sport DVD will be developed, and coaches and teachers will be able to better communicate with deaf athletes.”
Ms Spence said funding will continue to be allocated to university sports with the Queensland Branch of Australian University Sport receiving $240,000.
“This will rebuild university sporting club infrastructure and programs, and ensure these programs are in line with changing student needs,” Ms Spence said.
“This government spends more on sport than any other state or territory in Australia, and we will continue to support projects, organisations and individuals involved in sport and active recreation, to ensure we achieve our goal of improving the health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders.”
Media Contact: Minister’s Office – 3239 6218
The breakdown of funding is attached
Ms Spence said the significant boost for the state’s sport and active recreation bodies will ensure Queenslander’s continue to have better access to sporting opportunities, than any other state in Australia.
The funding will be provided to organisations, over a three year period, through the Government’s Sport and Recreation Development Program 2008-2010.
“This substantial funding package is proof of this government commitment to creating a healthy and active Queensland for all,” Ms Spence said.
“The funding going to organisations across the state will help them to achieve their strategic goals, leading to increased membership and better opportunities for the community.
“This funding will allow the organisations to improve their management practices and training systems, and also provide pathways for athletes, coaches and officials to reach the highest levels of their sport.
“By providing improved access to sporting programs and facilities in local communities, we can make it easier for people to get involved in sport and active recreation, which plays an integral part in strengthening our communities and delivering positive health outcomes.”
Ms Spence said some of the big winners in participation sports include Queensland Basketball, Queensland Gymnastics, and Queensland Netball – with each organisation receiving $900,000 or more, to increase membership and improve competitions, as well as develop coaching and refereeing skills.
“This funding will see new innovative sporting programs developed, including a ‘NetSetGo’ netball program for rural areas and a statewide ‘come and try’ basketball program incorporating a ‘3 on 3’ competition in local areas.
“The $945,000 for Queensland Gymnastics will see new and improved adult and disability gymnastic programs.
“We want people in all parts of the state to have access to excellent sporting opportunities – and this funding ensures major organisations can deliver on this commitment.”
Ms Spence said the state’s elite and aspiring tennis players will benefit with an increase in the number of accredited coaches.
“Today’s announcement of $819,400 for Royal Queensland Lawn Tennis Association will see improved tournaments in the years ahead, and greater access for all players,” Ms Spence said.
“Cricket will also receive a massive boost with $876,822 going to Queensland Cricket, to increase participation among juniors, seniors and females. Their current website will be improved and a new junior cricket resource specifically for pre-school teachers will also be developed.
“In addition, indoor cricket will receive $411,000 to create greater links with the community and to implement a talent recognition strategy.”
Ms Spence said all football codes will benefit with Football Queensland receiving $810,000, AFL Queensland $862,500, Queensland Rugby Union $795,000 and Queensland Rugby League $750,000.
“This funding will provide a better football experience for all players, with increased participation opportunities throughout Queensland, improved governance and volunteer arrangements, and more support for referees, coaches and first aid officers.
“The grant to AFL Queensland will see a modified version of Aussie Rules delivered in Western Queensland, and the grant for rugby union will see a state facilities plan and a health check program developed.
“Hockey Queensland will be now be able to increase participation levels, improve coaching and officiating standards, provide structured competition for rural and remote communities and provide greater services to regional clubs, with $825,000 in funding for the organisation.
“$802,500 is also being injected into the sport of golf, to nurture increased participation among school students, women and girls, people with disabilities, and people in rural and remote areas.”
Ms Spence said the equine sports industry is being given a helping hand, after a very challenging year, with Equestrian Federation of Australia (Queensland Branch) receiving $480,000, Queensland Endurance Riders Association Incorporated receiving $120,000, Australian Trail Horse Riders (Queensland Branch) $60,000, Riding for the Disabled Association of Queensland Incorporated $404,901 and Queensland Polocrosse Association receiving $282,000.
“This funding will be used to increase junior membership, provide best practice events and competitions, and maintain sound financial management, in a field which has gone through a very difficult period.”
Ms Spence said indoor recreational sports will reap the benefits of $23,000 going to Dance Sports Queensland, $75,000 to ice skating, and $192,445 to badminton.
“In Queensland we have a diverse range of sporting interests, and we want to ensure all areas are well supported,” Ms Spence said.
“This government recognises the growing popularity of non-competitive outdoor recreation pursuits, and that is why we are providing $32,337 for Mountain Bike Australia, $30,000 for Queensland Rogaine Association and $15,000 for Queensland Rope Skipping Association.
“Water sports are receiving a boost, with $421,462 for Queensland Canoeing to develop programs in Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Maryborough, and to develop a canoe trails book.
“The Queensland Yachting Association will also receive $465,000, while the Dragon Boat Federation will receive $199,500, Outrigger Canoe Racing Association will receive $90,000, and the Australian Rafting Federation, $60,000.”
Ms Spence said special needs sporting organisations will also benefit with $645,000 going to the Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Sport and Recreation Association of Queensland, $423,139 going to the Lifestream Foundation and $318,000 going to Deaf Sports and Recreation Queensland.
“This will help increase participation and improve junior sporting opportunities, and will help more people with disabilities participate in everyday physical activity,” Ms Spence said.
“More people will also be able to participate in the Australian Deaf and Deaflympic Games, an Auslan sport DVD will be developed, and coaches and teachers will be able to better communicate with deaf athletes.”
Ms Spence said funding will continue to be allocated to university sports with the Queensland Branch of Australian University Sport receiving $240,000.
“This will rebuild university sporting club infrastructure and programs, and ensure these programs are in line with changing student needs,” Ms Spence said.
“This government spends more on sport than any other state or territory in Australia, and we will continue to support projects, organisations and individuals involved in sport and active recreation, to ensure we achieve our goal of improving the health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders.”
Media Contact: Minister’s Office – 3239 6218
The breakdown of funding is attached