New funding for community sport recovery

Queensland’s grassroots sport and active recreation clubs are set to benefit from a new $9 million Active Gameday Projects fund to help them develop or upgrade playing fields as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan

Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Active Gameday Projects fund would help the economic recovery of the sport and recreation industry by investing in smaller scale infrastructure that benefits local communities.

“We know sport and active recreation clubs have been doing it tough during the pandemic,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The Active Gameday Projects fund will help them get back on their feet, freshen up their facilities for existing members, and encourage new sign ups. 

“We’re able to get out on the field because of the hard work of Queenslanders in managing the health impacts of the pandemic.

“Funding of up to $150,000 will be available for eligible organisations and projects who are able chip in 20 per cent of their project’s cost.”

The program is for fit-for-purpose works on playing spaces that meet grassroots level playing requirements and that encourage greater community participation.

Examples of projects that could receive funding include developing or upgrading playing surfaces and installing or upgrading irrigation and field lighting.

Minister Hinchliffe said the initiative hoped to get more Queenslanders involved in sport and physical activity.

“One of the best ways to get more Queenslanders involved in the game is by making sure our fields are in good playing condition,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The pandemic has been tough on our communities and now more than ever we need to support our clubs to do what they do best.

“We’re also encouraging clubs to use local contractors and suppliers where possible so the funding benefits local jobs and communities.”

Queensland Local Governments are also eligible for funding.

Active Gameday Projects is a new initiative of the Palaszczuk Government’s Activate! Queensland strategy with the first funding round opening in September.

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