Sport and Recreation clubs and local councils impacted by the floods in North and Far North Queensland in early 2025 can now apply for a share in $30 million to help repair and rebuild damaged facilities.
The Sport and Recreation Recovery Program (SRRG), a joint Albanese and Crisafulli Government funding program under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), is offering up to $1 million per facility for eligible not-for-profit sport and racing clubs and local councils to apply.
The SRRG funding can be used to repair, rebuild and restore damaged sport and recreation facilities, equipment and infrastructure including canteens, amenities, playing courts, fences, lights, racetracks, electrical equipment, synthetic pitches, shade sails and carparks. Where value for money can be demonstrated, damaged infrastructure can be rebuilt in accordance with current knowledge and practices, to help mitigate disaster impacts and improve a community's capability to recover more effectively.
This will help to minimise disruption to community life and ensure local sport competitions and community recreational activities can recommence as soon as possible.
Following more than 12 days of monsoonal rain and extensive flooding in January and February this year, with some areas recording more than two metres of rain, there was widespread damage across the region, in particular to the Hinchinbrook, Cassowary Coast, Burdekin, Charters Towers and Townsville local government areas.
For a full list of the eligible Local Government Areas and the program guidelines, or to apply, please visit: www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/sport-and-recreation-recovery-grant .
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kirsty McBain said sport and recreation was the fabric of these communities, and the funding would help clubs get back on their feet and back in action.
"When disaster hits, it's not just homes and roads that are impacted, it's the places where people come together, and that includes local sporting grounds and community facilities," Minister McBain said.
"This program is about making sure recovery reaches every corner of the community, including the clubs and spaces that bring people together after tough times.
"We'll keep working alongside the Queensland Government and local councils to make sure communities have the support they need to rebuild stronger and more resilient than before."
Queensland Minister for Sport Tim Mander said the Government wanted to act quickly to get Queensland clubs back to full capacity.
"With the initial cleanups completed, this funding package is about making the more expansive repairs needed to ensure clubs can fully recuperate," Minister Mander said.
"Assessments are ongoing, and we will continue to extend the eligibility as more clubs continue to seek support.
"I encourage clubs and councils to contact their local Sport and Recreation officer to see if they may be eligible. We want our clubs to get back on their feet so Queenslanders can not only experience the physical and mental health benefits of sport but also the togetherness that these clubs bring to the community."
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the support came at a critical time.
"It is a well-known fact that sport and recreation plays a vital role in the community by providing much needed extracurricular activity through sport and social activities," Minister Leahy said.
"Restoring the operations of impacted facilities contributes significantly to community recovery."
