News article
Queensland schools receive funding to improve sporting infrastructure
Queensland’s children will have access to new sporting infrastructure through the Australian state government’s A$100m (£53m/€61m/$67m) Go for Gold programme.
The initiative has been designed to support greater sport participation across Queensland, and encourage more students to be active. Some 680 successful schools received a funding boost as part of round one of the programme. These applicants included 530 state schools and received grants totalling almost A$2.5m.
Many successful schools were based throughout regional Queensland, with 28 schools in Cairns benefiting from nearly A$90,000 worth of new equipment, like netballs, high jump mats, football nets and bats.
Applications are now also open for the second round to allow more schools to apply for up to A$5m for new or upgraded infrastructure. Eligible infrastructure includes indoor or outdoor sports facilities; multi-purpose courts; athletics pitches or upgrades to ovals; refurbishment of outdoor court surfaces and investment in emerging sports.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, said: “Our government is proud to back the sports superstars of tomorrow, with the equipment and infrastructure they need to make their Olympic dreams come true.
“From badminton sets in Biggera Waters, to soccer nets on Saibai Island – schools the length and breadth of Queensland are benefiting. As with round one, we will see schools in remote and regional Queensland, and disadvantaged schools, given priority for funding for round two. This means more children around the state will experience the magic of sport.”
Education Minister Grace Grace added: “This programme is about giving young Queenslanders the equipment and infrastructure they need to be more active and Go for Gold in 2032.
“This programme is about giving young Queenslanders the equipment and infrastructure they need to be more active and go for gold in 2032. We will prioritise schools in smaller regional and remote communities, and where the opportunities for fundraising are limited.
“Go for Gold will not only benefit schools, but it will be great for communities right across Queensland.”
Brisbane, the capital of the Australian state of Queensland, is set to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032.
Image: Artem Kniaz on Unsplash