Published Wednesday, 27 August, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Spence: $35 Million to help Queenslanders get active
Sport Minister Judy Spence today released $35 Million in funding to provide Queenslanders with more opportunities to get active.
Ms Spence said applications are now open for funding under the Queensland Government’s Major Facilities Program and Local Sport and Recreation Program.
Ms Spence said: “Under the $30 Million Major Facilities Program, local sporting clubs and organisations can apply for up to $1.5 Million, to help build new and improved sporting infrastructure in their local community.
“This year we have increased the total program budget by $10 Million – so more Queensland communities can benefit.
“The program also encourages partnerships between local governments and state schools to deliver broader community access to sport and recreation facilities.
“In the last round of Majors, we funded 26 projects including: swimming pools, sports fields, multipurpose centres, a skate park and a water-saving irrigation system.
“These are the sorts of projects that really kick start sport in a community and I look forward to seeing the proposals put forward for this year’s funding round.”
Ms Spence said the $5 Million Local Sport and Recreation Program is aimed at helping local councils to develop minor facilities and initiatives, which will increase participation in physical activity at the grass roots level.
“Local governments can apply for assistance with projects like walkways, outdoor courts, or lighting for a sports field,” Ms Spence said.
“These are smaller scale projects but nevertheless really important. For a sports team being able to train at night because lights have been installed can make a world of difference.
“The program also supports councils in delivering school holiday activities, coaching clinics and sports carnivals, which encourage kids and families to get involved in sport and recreation.”
Ms Spence also announced today the expansion of the Young Athlete Assistance Program, which helps young athletes travel to compete in sporting events.
“Previously, young athletes were eligible to apply for up to $200 assistance if they travelled 300 kilometres or more, one way, to a sporting event,” Ms Spence said.
“Now they can apply if they travel only 200 kilometres one way.
“And previously the assistance only applied to athletes travelling within Queensland – it now applies to interstate and international travel as well.
“These changes are a result of feedback from users and it means far more athletes are now eligible for assistance.
“All three programs demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving the health and fitness of all Queenslanders – which is essential to combating rising obesity rates.”
Organisations interested in applying for the grants should contact their nearest Department of Sport and Recreation office on 1300 656 191.
Guidelines can be downloaded from www.sportrec.qld.gov.au.
Media Contact: 3239 6172
Ms Spence said applications are now open for funding under the Queensland Government’s Major Facilities Program and Local Sport and Recreation Program.
Ms Spence said: “Under the $30 Million Major Facilities Program, local sporting clubs and organisations can apply for up to $1.5 Million, to help build new and improved sporting infrastructure in their local community.
“This year we have increased the total program budget by $10 Million – so more Queensland communities can benefit.
“The program also encourages partnerships between local governments and state schools to deliver broader community access to sport and recreation facilities.
“In the last round of Majors, we funded 26 projects including: swimming pools, sports fields, multipurpose centres, a skate park and a water-saving irrigation system.
“These are the sorts of projects that really kick start sport in a community and I look forward to seeing the proposals put forward for this year’s funding round.”
Ms Spence said the $5 Million Local Sport and Recreation Program is aimed at helping local councils to develop minor facilities and initiatives, which will increase participation in physical activity at the grass roots level.
“Local governments can apply for assistance with projects like walkways, outdoor courts, or lighting for a sports field,” Ms Spence said.
“These are smaller scale projects but nevertheless really important. For a sports team being able to train at night because lights have been installed can make a world of difference.
“The program also supports councils in delivering school holiday activities, coaching clinics and sports carnivals, which encourage kids and families to get involved in sport and recreation.”
Ms Spence also announced today the expansion of the Young Athlete Assistance Program, which helps young athletes travel to compete in sporting events.
“Previously, young athletes were eligible to apply for up to $200 assistance if they travelled 300 kilometres or more, one way, to a sporting event,” Ms Spence said.
“Now they can apply if they travel only 200 kilometres one way.
“And previously the assistance only applied to athletes travelling within Queensland – it now applies to interstate and international travel as well.
“These changes are a result of feedback from users and it means far more athletes are now eligible for assistance.
“All three programs demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving the health and fitness of all Queenslanders – which is essential to combating rising obesity rates.”
Organisations interested in applying for the grants should contact their nearest Department of Sport and Recreation office on 1300 656 191.
Guidelines can be downloaded from www.sportrec.qld.gov.au.
Media Contact: 3239 6172