The Palaszczuk Government is investing more than $1.2 million in new sport and recreation initiatives to encourage Queenslanders of all abilities to stay active.
Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Active Industry Project Fund would also build stronger communities.
“The new sport and recreation initiatives we’re funding in partnership with state organisations and industry bodies will help keep Queenslanders active,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“For centuries, medical science has known about the significance of physical activity to good human health.
“One of the lessons we’ve learned from the pandemic is the importance of being connected with a local community.
“The Active Industry Project Fund achieves both to maintain the mental and physical health of Queenslanders, regardless of fitness, age or ability.”
25 sport and recreation organisations have received up to $75,000 for diverse and inclusive programs run by experienced providers.
A para-cycling tryout series has been funded and a Riding Blind initiative for vision impaired motorcycle riding.
There’s funding for a six-week AFL Queensland primary school blitz, the expansion of the Grow Hockey program, and the development of a school-based rowing training and regatta series.
Other initiatives are being deployed in sports and activities like triathlon, table tennis, surfing, volleyball, gymnastics, sailing, lacrosse, scouts, sporting wheelies, Special Olympics and deaf sports.
Outdoors Queensland has received support for the Outdoors For Life program.
“Outdoors For Life helps outdoor recreation groups increase opportunities for children, youth and families to get active outdoors through every stage of their lives,” Dom Courtney from Outdoors Queensland said.
“There will be more beginner-friendly programs like bushwalking and paddling that are suited to local places.
“Outdoor activities are not just for ‘hard-core’ or extreme athletes – the Queensland outdoors is for everyone.”
Mr Hinchliffe said the Active Industry Project would benefit club volunteers too.
“We want to see volunteers spending more time coaching and less on club administration,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“That’s why we’re helping Surf Lifesaving events move to paperless technology, funding an online learning hub for Little Athletics and tailored training for female rugby officials.
“We know ahead of Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games; well-run community sporting organisations can help identify potential contenders for Queensland’s next generation of elite athletes.”
The Active Industry Project Fund is part of Activate! Queensland, a 10-year Palaszczuk Government strategy for getting more Queenslanders moving, more often.
