Queensland Rugby Unveils 2026-30 Community Facilities Strategy

The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) has today launched the 2026-30 Community Facilities Strategy, a statewide roadmap designed to modernise and expand rugby infrastructure across the state.

This second iteration of the strategy follows an extensive venue audit of 129 community sites and serves as a critical planning document to ensure clubs are “shovel-ready” for the next decade of growth.

The strategy is a non-funding framework that aligns local club aspirations with state and national planning priorities.

By providing a transparent evidence base, the QRU aims to help its 27,000 active club participants and their respective organisations strengthen their advocacy when applying for local, state, and federal government grants.

Noting how the project identifies recognised strategic plans, like this new Facilities Strategy, are viewed more favourably by the government, QRU General Manager of Government, Matt Horan, said: “This strategy gives our clubs and partners a clear roadmap to help plan for the future while strengthening our ability to advocate for the investment needed across the state.” 

Strategic Pillars and Critical Priorities

The roadmap is underpinned by four key pillars: Delivering inclusive facilities, improving existing venue capacity, planning for growth, and strengthening investment.

The strategy identifies that many existing venues require urgent renewal to meet modern inclusivity standards and participation demands.

Statewide Infrastructure Priorities

The strategy identifies a clear pipeline of projects focused on addressing the ageing nature of existing infrastructure.

Priorities include upgrading playing field lighting to meet Australian Standards, improving turf quality through advanced irrigation and drainage, and the delivery of gender-neutral changerooms and amenities to better support the 23,000 female participants currently playing in the state.

Furthermore, the plan highlights a need for additional quality community social rooms to improve club sustainability and social connection.

Alignment with “Games On!” Program

The release is strategically timed to coincide with the Queensland Government’s $30 million Games On! Grassroots Infrastructure Program. This fund offers two distinct streams: the Field of Play Fund (projects up to $1 million) and the Partnership Fund (larger collaborative projects).

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