At least seven Queensland football clubs are set to benefit from a share in more than $1.5 million in fresh infrastructure funding as a result of commitments made prior to the recent state election.
Projects ranging from female change rooms to lighting upgrades 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,” FQ 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.”
The seven clubs in line for funding include three in North Queensland: Estates FC, MA Olympic FC and Saints Eagles Souths FC.
The other four – Grange Thistle FC, Mt Gravatt Hawks FC, Newmarket SFC and Tarragindi Tigers FC – are based in Brisbane.
An eighth club, Bingera FC in Wide Bay, 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.
CONFIRMED ELECTION FUNDING COMMITMENTS
| Electorate | Elected MP | Club | Funding Commitment |
| Mansfield | Corrine McMillan | Mt Gravatt Hawks FC | $90,000 for electrical lighting upgrades |
| Miller | Mark Bailey | Tarragindi Tigers FC | $190,000 for lighting upgrades |
| Stafford | Jimmy Sullivan | Newmarket SFC | $50,000 to install LED lights |
| Stafford | Jimmy Sullivan | Grange Thistle FC | $60,000 for new water infrastructure |
| Mundingburra | Les Walker | MA Olympic FC | $500,000 for female change rooms, shade structure and lighting |
| Mundingburra | Les Walker | Saints Eagles Souths FC | $300,000 for lighting and field upgrades |
| Townsville | Scott Stewart | Estates FC | $400,000 in facility upgrades |
PENDING ELECTION FUNDING COMMITMENTS
| Electorate | Elected MP | Club | Commitment |
| Bundaberg | Tom Smith | Bingera FC | $200,000 for new playing surface and lights |
