The Queensland Government’s Department of Tourism & Sport recently announced further funding recipients through the ‘Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund’.
The $45 million Fund is a ten-year initiative that began in 2019 to ‘enhance community sport and active recreation’, with eligible projects categorised as either ‘inclusive and accessible’, or ‘safe, quality and efficient’, as they either ensure amenities meet universal design principles, or meet activity requirements.
The 171 recipients received an average funding amount of $246,663, with the two highest grants being awarded to remote councils to upgrade or construct amenities in support of local sports.
Recipients also included three lifesaving clubs, eleven bowls clubs and many regional councils.
Thirteen golf clubs benefitted from almost $2 million of the grants, including Emu Park Golf Club near Rockhampton, for new toilets and an accessibility ramp.
Lawrie Kneen, club president, said this was solving a long-term infrastructure problem the club was not able to afford on its own.
“It’s about keeping people involved in the game even if they’re not playing,” he said.
Five of the golf club recipients used Golf Australia’s grant writing program to achieve their funding.
Golf Australia’s Clubs and Facilities Manager-North, Andrew Leventis, said they were pleased with the result.
“Many of these clubs and facilities are in provincial areas, some of them have relatively small memberships, but they are the lifeblood of our sport in many ways.
“It’s a pleasure to see them get a kick along like this.”
A full list of recipients and projects can be found on the Queensland Government Department of Tourism and Sport website.
