Queensland Government Invest Over $500m To Develop Olympic Athletes Ahead Of Winning 2032 Olympic Bid
The Queensland Government will invest $506.4 million over the next three years as part of the 10-year sport and recreation strategy to put more Queenslanders on the path to Olympic greatness.
The Activate! Queensland 2019-2029 strategy has been created to deliver support for athletes from grassroots activity right through to elite level, and beyond.
“Activate! Queensland is a whole of government approach that will see $506.4 million invested over the next three years to get all Queenslanders more physically active, more often,” Minister for Sport, Mick de Brenni, said.
Minister de Brenni said that the actions of the Palaszczuk Government could decide who was standing on the podium at the 2032 Olympics.
“We’re investing in the success of Queenslanders, whether that’s breaking down the financial barriers to getting involved, or investing in high-performance facilities and programs, we’re backing local athletes every step of the way.”
With fewer than half of Queensland’s children active for the recommended one hour or more each day, the government will fund “sign-on fees with $150 FairPlay vouchers for more than 56,000 kids from low-income families to participate in physical activity, as well as the national-first $500 FairPlay+ vouchers in 2020 for kids facing the greatest barriers.”
Queensland local sporting infrastructure is also set to receive a huge boost with the Palaszczuk Government investing $40 million on 150 community infrastructure projects across the State.
“By listening to clubs, families, and sportspeople across the State, we’ve identified how to develop infrastructure solutions that promote active participation opportunities for all Queenslanders,” Minister de Brenni said.
“Time and time again we heard frustration regarding the hoops that clubs need to jump through to receive funding, so we’re breaking down this barrier and making it easier for clubs to apply.
“This means less red-tape, more certainty for clubs, and less delays before the starting siren rings out”.
To ensure Queensland’s athletes stay at the top on the world stage, Activate! Queensland will invest $44.5 million to fund sporting excellence.
With the exciting prospect of a potential 2032 Olympics, Minister de Brenni recognised the importance of establishing Queensland as a national leader of sport science and programs.
“By working with the Queensland Academy of Sport and State level organisations, we will back our local elite athletes and ensure that they have access to world-class technology, coaching, and high-performance programs.
“And, with ongoing investment in Queensland stadiums – like the $35 million redevelopment of the Gabba – athletes will be able to showcase their skills in world-class facilities.
“This investment will see Queensland’s sporting facilities setting the new gold standard.”
