FAR North Queensland communities have received a $2.3 million funding boost for local sport and recreation.

The Douglas Shire Council has received $100,000 to construct an asphalt pump track under the Get Playing Places and Spaces program, while the Mossman and District Gymnastics Club and Port Douglas Outrigger Canoe Club have also benefited from funding.

The local gymnastics group has been given $2,352 to conduct a beginner coaching course, first aid course and to purchase equipment, while the Outrigger’s will get a $7,500 cash injection to train and mentor volunteers, including strategies to meet community needs, developing community partnerships, marketing and recruiting, and maintaining more volunteers.

The latest $16.5 million funding round for clubs and organisations across Queensland included:

• More than $13 million in statewide funds to support 164 capital works projects in the latest round of the Get Playing Places and Spaces program providing up to $100,000 to develop new, upgraded or replacement sport and recreation infrastructure, and 
  
  
• $3.5 million to 539 clubs and organisations across the state under the Get Going Clubs program providing grants up to $7500 to encourage greater participation in sport and recreation in local communities. 

Treasurer and Minister for Sport, Curtis Pitt, said the funds would help FNQ clubs, associations, and local councils to establish new or upgraded facilities, buy new equipment, and encourage greater participation at the grassroots level.

Pitt said the latest $16.5 million funding round for clubs and organisations across Queensland included:

“I look forward to seeing the new, improved and replacement infrastructure projects in communities throughout or region as a result of this latest round of the Get Playing Places and Spaces program — ranging from playing fields and courts, through to clubhouses and new lights,” Pitt said.

“Numerous local clubs have received funds under the Get Going Clubs program to encourage greater participation in their activities.

“These funds are an investment in local communities as well as an investment in our sporting future because every state, national or international sports star began their rise to the top at the grassroots level.

“Through this great program, clubs and associations and local councils in the Far North have received funding to train volunteers, purchase equipment and run activities which will increase participation opportunities in their local area.”

Member for Barron River, Craig Crawford, welcomed the funding boost for local sport and recreation groups.

“The latest grants will see major upgrade works on local facilities including new lights for the Cairns Pirates Touch Football Association and Northern Beaches Mudcrabs Rugby Union Club plus a boxing gym at Mayo's Boxing Club,” Crawford said.

“In addition, nine local clubs and associations have been funded under the Get Going Clubs program to buy equipment, conduct training or accreditation courses, or to conduct membership drives and youth development programs.

“All of these projects will benefit our local clubs and our local community.”