Queensland children could be playing in new or vastly improved sporting facilities through the Queensland Government’s new $20 million Get Playing Plus program.
Recreation and Sport Minister Steve Dickson said the initiative was an extension of the Government’s successful Get in the Game program that had delivered on the Government’s election promise to lower the cost of living for families.
“This initiative is another shot in the arm for families watching their kids at sport and recreation clubs across the state,” Mr Dickson said.
“Get Playing Plus will provide $20 million in State Government funding over two years to support grassroots sport and recreation by assisting local clubs.
“Investments ranging from $400,000 and $1.5 million will be granted for projects that provide new sport and recreation facilities or improve on existing facilities.
“Projects that target the increased participation of women and girls, accommodate multi-purpose, shared or co-located facilities, or that involve participation in outdoor recreation activities will be highly regarded.”
Councillor Krista Adams, Chairman of Brisbane City Council’s Lifestyle Committee, said Council welcomed the financial support for local sporting groups.
“This commitment will be a great benefit to the 2000 sporting groups utilising nearly 600 Council sports and recreation sites across Brisbane.
“Council looks forward to working with local clubs to help them take advantage of opportunities to improve or expand their existing sporting facilities.”
AFL Queensland Chief Executive Michael Conlan has welcomed the State Government’s investment in major sporting infrastructure.
“Our game has again witnessed double-digit growth in 2014 and our Facilities Plan identifies a critical need to provide quality playing ovals and amenities to support the thousands of new participants playing Australia’s Game,” Mr Conlan said.
“Get Playing Plus will enable the development of many key projects that will support the strong growth of female AFL across Queensland.
“One significant project is a trial of AFL Synthetic Turf at Morningside AFC, which will dramatically increase the capacity of one of our biggest community football clubs.”
Bulimba MP Aaron Dillaway said the Queensland Government was committed to increasing grassroots participation and developing the capacity of community sport.
“The Get Playing Plus program is a great opportunity for Government to work together with local council and sport and recreation clubs to deliver better service and participation opportunities to Queenslanders,” Mr Dillaway said.
“I will certainly be ensuring that sporting clubs like the Morningside Panthers throughout the Bulimba Electorate apply for this welcomed additional funding.”
Applications open today and close on October 20th at 5pm.
For more information visit 
http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/funding/overview/index.html
