Football Queensland (FQ) has published its Strategic Infrastructure Plan for the 2020-2024 period.
The plan was devised using comprehensive data-driven and needs-based analysis. FQ has announced it will prioritise infrastructure and funding in order to drive progress towards the state’s critical facility needs.
Although football is the most popular club-based participation sport in Australia, the sport has traditionally struggled to attract meaningful Federal Government investment, something FQ is aiming to address.
“Despite football being the number one club-based participation sport in the state, it has been massively underfunded. Better infrastructure is vital to ensuring our growing base of over 180,000 participants have facilities that are appropriate, meet minimum basic standards and deliver quality football experiences,” said Rob Cavallucci, FQ CEO.
“FQ has also identified the importance of Government investment through a newly established Football Infrastructure Fund to efficiently deliver essential community upgrades and projects throughout the state, enabling our 317 clubs to meet existing demand and build capacity.”
Over the next four years, FQ will aim to raise $60 million for the Queensland Government Infrastructure Fund. The document provides a detailed breakdown of how FQ plans to disperse the $60 million across Queensland’s different regions, including highly detailed descriptions of the specific needs of each region.
The organisation has also identified three key infrastructure priorities, which Cavallucci outlined.
“The top three funding priorities identified include, first, the establishment of a Home of Women’s Football and Women’s Centre of Excellence at Meakin Park; second, Regional High-Performance Centres for North and Central Queensland; and third, the construction of a boutique 15,000-seat rectangular stadium,” Cavallucci said.
Another key goal for FQ will be leveraging the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup, as it presents a major growth opportunity for the funding, participation, and exposure of Australian football.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 represents a once in a generation chance to create a profound and lasting legacy for women and girls as we lead into a significant period of participation growth,” Cavallucci said.
“FQ has established clear infrastructure priorities aligned to the Women’s World Cup and identified legacy opportunities to partner with all levels of Government to support infrastructure delivery, maximising benefits for Queenslanders through a strategic approach to facilities funding.”
For more information, or to see the full document, click HERE.
