Rugby league clubs and Councils across Queensland will have access to $1.3 million in funding grants to improve their facilities under a new Queensland Footy Facilities Fund announced on Sunday.
Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the funds were the result of redirected stamp duty expenses incurred through the dissolution of the NRL Partnership, and would be matched dollar-for-dollar by the NRL.
“As a government we want to help more people get outdoors, keep active and maintain a healthy lifestyle so I’m pleased to be partnering with NRL on this program,” Mr Pitt said.
“The formation of the ARL Commission heralded the start of a new era, and rugby league clubs across Queensland will directly benefit from this extra funding.
“Local clubs will be able to apply for dollar-for-dollar contributions up to $300,000 to improve facilities, upgrade fields to provide safer playing surfaces, install new lighting to enable day/night training and build new amenities blocks to encourage female participation.
“These works will also deliver a direct benefit to the local tradies and construction firms who’ll get work undertaking infrastructure upgrades.”
Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni welcomed the new program as an important initiative to give rugby league players in Queensland access to the best possible facilities.
“The Government is proud to be partnering with the NRL and QRL to form the Queensland Footy Facilities Fund,” Mr de Brenni said.
“This new program will enable local communities to develop their rugby league facilities in line with competition standards and to meet their participation needs.”
Applications will be open to rugby league clubs and Councils that have the support of their local leagues for grants of up to $300,000.
Funding rounds will open later this year and will be awarded to successful clubs and Councils over two rounds.
Further information on the Fund will be available on nrl.com and qrl.com.au ahead of the funding opening later this year.
