At least seven Queensland football clubs are going to benefit from a share in over $1.5 million in fresh infrastructure funding as a result of commitments made prior to the recent Queensland state election.
Projects including updated female change rooms and lighting improvements are now poised to proceed after the Governor of Queensland officially invited Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to form government last week.
“Football Queensland welcomes the return of the government alongside this important funding boost for our clubs. We look forward to seeing much needed infrastructure delivered for football across Queensland,” Football Queensland President Ben Richardson said.
“Football is Queensland’s most popular organised sport. We have a broad and growing participation base, particularly with women and girls joining the game in great numbers. It’s only fair that federal, state and local government funding reflects the size of the game and its critical infrastructure needs.
“There is more to be accomplished moving forward as the major infrastructure priorities outlined in FQ’s Strategic Infrastructure Plan still need government support as we head towards preparing for the FIFA Womens World Cup in 2023.
“In the meantime, I would like to warmly congratulate Stirling Hinchliffe on his appointment as Minister for Sport, and thank Mick de Brenni for his work in the role and the conversations we have recently held in relation to unlocking the opportunity of the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
There has been seven clubs identified for funding, with the potential for more to be included.
Three clubs are from North Queensland: Estates FC, MA Olympic FC and Saints Eagles Souths FC.
The four others are based in Brisbane: Grange Thistle FC, Mt Gravatt Hawks FC, Newmarket SFC and Tarragindi Tigers FC.
An eighth club, Wide Bay’s Bingera FC, stands to receive $200,000 for a new playing surface and lights if Queensland Labor candidate Tom Smith wins election in Bundaberg following a recount.
