Sport and Active Recreation industry join 10-year journey to a more active and healthier Queensland

Key organisations have got on board the Palaszczuk Government's new era for sport and active recreation in Queensland, as the 10-year Activate! Queensland strategy takes flight.

Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said by creating partnerships with industry, it will better determine where investments should be made in order to benefit of all Queenslanders.

“Funding for any program, event, clubhouse, change room or light pole must fulfil our goals for a more active and healthier Queensland,” said Mr de Brenni.

“It must provide a quality experience and be equitable for all – regardless of gender, age, ability or location.

“Government funding will be better coordinated, with less red tape for hard-working club volunteers who are seeking to apply for funding.”

Mr de Brenni said establishing partnerships with industry over the next three years will be supported by the $32 million Active Industry Fund, with new arrangements targetted to for the most impact.

“We have already joined with six leading sport bodies including rugby league, Australian rules football, cricket, netball, tennis and surfing – and we’re working to add more sports to the equation,” he said.

“All sporting organisations will continue to be supported through the Active Industry Fund as they consider partnership opportunities.

“We will establish a new Sport and Recreation Partnerships Office to build partnerships between government, industry and the community.”

QSport CEO Peter Cummiskey OAM said it is both timely and exciting for sport in Queensland.

“Our mission is to promote and develop organised sport in Queensland and I believe Activate! Queensland can help us do just that,” said Mr Cummiskey.

“To encourage greater participation, we need long-term planning and better coordination to maximise the use of sports facilities and other sporting resources.

“Our members look forward to working with government agencies and community groups to direct funding towards programs and infrastructure that can have the greatest impact.”

Activate! Queensland is a $1.3 billion strategy over 10 years to encourage all levels of community participation whilst also supporting elite athletes and world-class venues.

The Palaszczuk Government has earmarked $506.4 million over the first three years as part of a whole-of-government approach.

Mr de Brenni said the first Active8 three-year plan would inspire a new generation of athletes.

“We are investing $44.5 million over three years towards high-performance sport science and coaching,” he said.

“We will support more events in local communities and upgrade our stadiums with the latest technology to improve the spectator experience.

“The next three years will see up to 150 infrastructure projects in local communities through a $40 million investment and a further $40 million to transform recreation centres on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Townsville.

“We have hit the ground running by opening up schools for community use and soon we will see infrastructure projects delivered in schools.

“On top of that, over the next three years 56,000 children from low-income families will benefit from $150 vouchers to cover the cost of membership fees, after the FairPlay program was launched on 31 July.”