Queensland Budget Allocates $15M for Active Lifestyle Promotion | Mirage News

• The Minor Infrastructure Program, aimed at helping sporting clubs and active recreation organisations, is receiving an additional $9.5 million through the State Budget
• Three other programs under Queensland’s 10-year Activate! Queensland 2019-2029 Strategy are also receiving a $5.5 million boost
• The Active Clubs program is receiving $1.9 million, the ActiveKIT program is receiving $1.3 million, and the Emerging Athletes Pathways Program is receiving $2.3 million

Sporting clubs and active recreation organisations across Queensland are set to deliver infrastructure for their communities with an additional $9.5 million allocated from the State Budget for the Minor Infrastructure Program.

The Minor Infrastructure Program is designed to help sporting clubs and active recreation organisations deliver new and upgraded infrastructure projects.

Additionally, more Queenslanders will be encouraged to become more active, while more elite athletes will be assisted to reach their potential with $5.5 million from the State Budget allocated towards three other programs under the 10-year Activate! Queensland 2019-2029 Strategy.

The Strategy, delivered through a series of multi-year action plans, aims to get more Queenslanders moving, more often.

The State Budget also sees $1.9 million allocated to the highly popular Active Clubs program, expanding the program to $4.4 million for 2024-25.

Active Clubs provides funding to not-for-profit local and regional sport and active recreation organisations to support volunteers, as well as assist with the purchase of on-field and off-field equipment and provide increased physical activity opportunities.

Through the first three rounds of the program, more than $11.5 million has been approved to support 5,275 local projects in clubs across the state.

The State Budget also sees $1.3 million allocated to the ActiveKIT program.

The ActiveKIT initiative responds to trends and needs of Queenslanders who want to be more active and ensures the active industry is leading the way in innovative solutions that get Queenslanders moving, more often.

A further $2.3 million has been earmarked for the Emerging Athletes Pathways Program to support eligible young athletes, coaches and officials by providing financial assistance to help alleviate the costs associated with attending state, national and international events.

These programs build on the State Budget’s $33.5 million expansion of the FairPlay program, designed to assist with cost-of-living pressures faced by families and the rising prices of registering their children for organised sport and recreation activities.

As stated by Premier Steven Miles:

“The State Budget is about ensuring we help maintain our fantastic lifestyle for Queensland families, and that includes participation in sport and active recreation.

“Sporting clubs are at the heart of our communities and by assisting them deliver new and upgraded infrastructure, we are encouraging more community members to participate.

“It’s also imperative that we support our elite athletes and coaches to reach their full potential, particularly with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in sight.

“Which is why the State Budget has allocated $2.3 million to the Emerging Athletes Pathways Program.”

As stated by Tourism and Sport Minister Michael Healy:

“The State Budget has delivered for active communities throughout Queensland.

“While our clubs are being supported through the Minor Infrastructure Program, they are also being helped with more funding allocated to three other programs under the 10-year Activate! Queensland 2019-2029 Strategy.

“The Strategy is aimed at getting more Queenslanders moving, more often.

“The State Budget is supporting the Strategy with a $5.5 million injection towards the Active Clubs, ActiveKIT, and Emerging Athletes Pathways programs.

“Each of these initiatives encourages greater participation, ensuring a more active and healthier Queensland.”

As stated by Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs and Springwood MP Mick de Brenni:

“Our clubs are extremely important in connecting our communities and keeping Queenslanders happy and healthy.

“I know that in my community, the funding through the State Budget will have an enormous impact on helping our clubs grow and be even more inclusive.

“And when our clubs are strong, the community prospers.”

As stated by Logan Basketball General Manager Mitch Young:

“More and more boys and girls are looking to take up basketball, so it’s vital we have the appropriate infrastructure in place to cater for that growth.

“Additionally, we want our organisation to be as welcoming and inclusive as possible, and programs like the Minor Infrastructure Program and Active Clubs assist us to have the facilities to make that happen.

“I’d like to thank the Queensland Government for its support as we try to grow our game and see more young people reaping the rewards of playing.”