Following on from the delivery of our Return to Play guide just over a week ago, we have taken another leap forward in support of our industry, in line with easing of restrictions.

The Queensland Government is working hard to assist organisations to restart operations, while also keeping Queenslanders healthy and safe.

We know that the onset of COVID-19 and the necessary restrictions imposed have had significant impact on your ability to function.

We recognise that through this period, as we work to return to play in line with the Queensland Government Roadmap to Easing Restrictions, sport and recreation organisations will need assistance to get back on their feet. It will be important as we work to get back into organised physical activity that we build on the progress we have made - listen to the health advice, maintain a safe distance from others and keep up good hygiene.

In response to this, today, the Queensland Government has committed $51.3M through its Sport & Recreation COVID Safe Restart Plan to help everyone get ready to re-start community sport and recreation to coincide with Stage 2 of the Queensland Roadmap.

There are a range of options available to assist clubs and organisations to get going again:

• $14M COVID SAFE Active Clubs Kickstart – funding to purchase hygiene supplies, products, training or equipment to allow clubs to return to play, this funding can also be used for operational needs such as utilities and bills. This will see up to 7000 clubs receiving grants of up to $2000.
• $10.8M Active Industry Fund – funding for 77 state level sporting organisations and industry peak bodies through existing arrangements.
• $15.5M Active Restart infrastructure Recovery Fund - grants for minor works and support up to 3000 clubs to purchase revenue generating equipment to help them return to play.
• $11M FairPlay vouchers - vouchers of up to $150 for around 73,000 young Queenslanders to participate in physical activity opportunities and support families experiencing hardship due to COVID-19.

This package has been developed with the future of the industry front of mind and we thank you for the role that you have played in developing a pathway forward.

Physical activity will continue to play a key role in our local communities, so while we recognise a return to play is vital for the physical and mental health Queenslanders, it must also be done in a way that keeps participants, volunteers, workers and the broader community safe.

We look forward to seeing the industry respond positively post COVID-19 while encouraging Queenslanders to re-engage with their preferred club or activity provider, bringing communities back together when it is safe to do so. More information on the package is available online via www.covid19.qld.gov.au/returntoplay.

You may have seen that today Sport Australia also released resources to support the return to sport. The department is working closely with all key stakeholders and industry bodies and further information regarding the application of resources like this in Queensland will be provided through the website above.

For further information please do not hesitate to contact the Sport and Recreation team on email SR_Covid19@npsr.qld.gov.au.