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The Queensland Government has today announced that it will invest $16 million in 21 infrastructure projects involving regional sport and recreation clubs and community groups.

Queensland Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni advised that the investment was delivered through the first round of the $40 million Active Community Infrastructure program and $12 million Community Use of Schools initiative.

Minister de Brenni noted “the first round sees a $15.58 million investment in 13 sport and recreation infrastructure projects, six female facilities projects and two school-based community initiatives.

QBuild, the commercialised business unit of the Queensland Government will undertake the procurement and delivery of the projects as Minister de Brenni states “to reduce the burden on clubs and speed up delivery.

Minister de Brenni added that his department will continue to work with other applicants to ensure they have the best chance of success in future funding rounds.

 “In a first for the Queensland Government, our new, transparent partnership approach means we’ve already identified a further 22 ‘pipeline projects’ which have pre-qualified for investment and won’t need to re-apply, when the next round opens.

“We’ll also work with the remaining 140 applicants to help progress their initiatives to align better with Activate! Queensland 2019-2029, meaning we are taking the hassle out of the process by working together.

“In 2019, following wide consultation, the Queensland Government announced it would take a new approach to infrastructure investment in sport as part of its $1.8 billion Activate! Queensland sports and active recreation strategy.

“This process is quicker and less burdensome on community clubs, which no longer need to spend long hours and precious resources grant writing.

“Through Activate! Queensland, clubs just need to focus on alignment to their guiding principles, partnerships and benefits to the community in their submissions.”

Round 2 Expressions of Interest will open in the next few months.

Minister de Brenni added that through the Active Community Infrastructure program, up to 150 projects would be delivered in local communities over three years, with each project eligible for up to $1 million in support.

“Up to a further 10 projects will be delivered through Community Use of Schools, which is an additional $10.35 million investment.

“Clubs are encouraged to collaborate with other organisations and show how their project improves the accessibility, functionality and adaptability of community spaces and places.

“Projects should increase the use of public facilities such as parks, school ovals, tennis courts and swimming pools.

“And they should help connect spaces with other social infrastructure, such as bikeways and walking tracks.

“This new, smarter system means less red tape for hard-working volunteers seeking to develop sport and recreation infrastructure for their community clubs.

“It’s all part of the Queensland Government playbook for a more active and healthier Queensland, creating more opportunities for everyone to participate, regardless of gender, age, ability or location.”

For more information about the Active Community Infrastructure and Community Use of Schools programs go to www.qld.gov.au/sportrecstrategy

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