New funding op for sports infrastructure closes on 2 March

The State Government has launched a new sport infrastructure program, with grants from $50,000 to $415,000 for smaller club projects such as lighting, ramps and pathways, cycle trails, skate parks, fixed exercise equipment, court upgrades and change rooms, on offer.

Grants under the inaugural round of the State Government’s $14.6 million Minor Infrastructure Program are open to community-based sport and active recreation clubs, state and national level sporting organisations and local councils.

Shovel ready projects valued up to $1 million will be considered for the new Minor Infrastructure Program with successful applicants contributing up to 20 per cent of total project costs.

Applications for funding close on 2 March with successful projects to be completed within 18 months.

The third round of the Government’s Active Clubs program opens on Wednesday 1 February with grants of up to $2,500 for 2,000 community sporting clubs.

The $5 million program is designed to help clubs with the cost of new on and off-field equipment, accreditation courses for coaches, club officials and volunteers, and initiatives like comeand-try events to attract new members.

The first round of FairPlay for 2023 has also been launched with up to 46,000 vouchers worth almost

$7 million to help low-income Queensland families with the cost of sport and active recreation sign on fees up to $150.

Applications for FairPlay vouchers are open to parents, carers and guardians with a current Services Australia Health Care Card or a Pensioner Concession Card for students aged five to 17 years.

Queensland Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe launched the new funding programs for community not-for-profit sporting clubs earlier this week with Member for Cooper Jonty Bush.

“We don’t want to see financial circumstances be a barrier to young Queenslanders getting on a team, connecting with friends, and staying active and healthy,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Whether it’s getting involved in scouts, surf lifesaving, tennis, martial arts, AFL or rugby league, there are hundreds of sporting options and clubs accepting FairPlay vouchers in 2023.”

More information on round one of the Minor Infrastructure Program is at: www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/ funding/minor-infrastructure-program

For more information on Active Clubs go to: www.qld.gov.au/ recreation/sports/funding/activeclubs

Clubs and recreation providers participating in FairPlay and more information about family eligibility can be found at: www.qld.gov.au/ fairplayvouchers to attend included Dhadhin Geai, Apudthama, JRL development camp hosts, Zenadth Kes RL, Zenadth Kes JRL and NPARRL.

A Sports Trainer course was to be held on the same weekend.

Rugby League can expect a boom season in 2023 across the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area.

After a year’s absence the popular Island of Origin Series on Badhu will be back on and already a lot of interest has been received from teams.

Also the Zenadth Kes carnival on Waiben will be held in October with men and women’s teams.

The Dan Ropeyarn NPA carnival at Bamaga, last in the year, will be another highlight.