Queensland football clubs will benefit from a share of $16 million in funding granted in Round 1 of the Queensland Government’s Active Community Infrastructure program.

Leichhardt Junior Soccer Club was approved for $900,000 in funding, while The Lakes Football Club and North Lakes Mustangs will benefit from a $1,000,000 upgrade to the North Lakes College and Kinsellas Sports Complex facilities.

Far North Queensland’s Leichhardt Junior Soccer Club will use the funding to construct new change rooms, upgrade their existing clubhouse with the addition of a covered patio, and install new and upgraded lighting across two of their fields.

The Lakes Football Club and North Lakes Mustangs Football Club currently use the North Lakes College fields, while relying on the toilets and change room facilities at Kinsellas Sports Complex next door.

The $1,000,000 in funding approved for North Lakes College and neighbouring Kinsellas Sports Complex will deliver the construction of new change rooms, amenities and shaded spectator seating, and an upgrade to field lighting.

Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting said the funding would benefit the whole community.

“This is a comprehensive million-dollar victory for sport and the health of young Queenslanders in the North Lakes and Mango Hill community,” Whiting said.

“But the real winner will be for the three football clubs and their 1,800 players that use all the fields at North Lakes State College and Kinsellas Road fields next door.

“By upgrading the North Lakes State College grounds and opening them up to community clubs, everyone is a winner.

“The Council football fields next door are really suffering from overuse and we need to ease the load on these fields.”

Around 150 infrastructure projects are set to benefit Queensland communities over the next three years through the initiative, with up to $1 million (GST exclusive) invested per project.

Find out more about the Active Community Infrastructure program here.