Queensland Sport and Recreation COVID SAFE Restart Plan

Sport and Recreation COVID SAFE Restart Plan

As part of Return to Play, we’re helping community sport, recreation and fitness organisations with a range of funding and grants.

That’s why the Queensland Government has committed $51.3 million for a COVID Safe re-start for sport, recreation and fitness organisations.

Getting Queenslanders active is a key priority of the government, and restarting activities in stages will ensure we keep everyone safe, healthy and moving.

Restart package

  • $2,000 for up to 7,000 clubs

    COVID SAFE Active Clubs Kickstart

    For hygiene supplies, equipment and operational costs for COVID Safe clubs to return to sport.

    Applications now open – find out more

    Applications now open

  • Up to $150 for 73,000 young participants

    FairPlay vouchers

    For young participants to participate in local sporting activities and support families experiencing hardship as a result of COVID-19.

    Applications open in Stage 2

  • Improving facilities for 3,000 clubs

    Active Restart Infrastructure Recovery Fund

    Grants for minor capital works and support for clubs to purchase revenue generating equipment to support Return to Play.

    Applications open in Stage 3

  • Support for 77 peak bodies

    Active Industry Fund

    Payment will be distributed to state-level organisations ahead of schedule. This will secure the future of community sport and support the easing of restrictions.

Frequently asked questions

1. Since COVID-19 emerged, we haven’t been able to operate. What options are available for us to get back up and running?

The Queensland Government has committed $51.3 million to help local clubs re-start through a number of options:

  • $14 million COVID SAFE Active Clubs Kickstart – funding to purchase hygiene supplies, products, training or equipment to support clubs to return to play; this funding can also be used for operational needs such as utilities and bills. This will see up to 7,000 clubs receiving grants of up to $2,000.
  • $10.8 million Active Industry Fund – funding for 77 state-level sporting organisations and industry peak bodies through existing arrangements.
  • $15.5 million Active Restart Infrastructure Recovery Fund – grants for minor works and support for up to 3,000 clubs to purchase revenue-generating equipment to help assist a return to play.
  • $11 million 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.

2. When does the COVID SAFE Active Clubs Kickstart open and how do I access this funding?

Applications open on 25 May and close on 17 June.

For clubs already registered to received Active Clubs funding, the process and system is the same as previous funding rounds. For those clubs who have not received Active Clubs funding previously, there is a simple online application process.

Applications are now open.

3. If successful, can I use some of this funding to cover some of the club’s bills?

The COVID SAFE Active Clubs Kickstart funding is designed to help clubs to purchase hygiene supplies, products, training or equipment to allow a return to play. This funding can also be used for operational needs such as utilities and bills.

4. To be COVID Safe, there are quite a few steps to take. I need to buy more cleaning products but not sure how much will be needed?

The $14 million COVID SAFE Active Clubs Kickstart fund will enable 7,000 clubs to receive a grant of up to $2,000 to purchase hygiene supplies and cleaning equipment.

Read the advice for organisations about meeting hygiene practices.

5. We rely on fundraising, can we open our canteen to sell food to our members?

If your sport and recreation facility/venue has previously provided food and beverage services, then upon re-opening you must complete and display a COVID Safe Checklist for dining at Restaurants, Cafes, Pubs, Clubs, RSL clubs and Hotels.

The checklist outlines the steps and requirements for re-opening including mandatory COVID-19 safe workplace training for staff, maintaining physical distancing and good hygiene practices for the safety of your employees, volunteers, participants and visitors.

6. We’re looking forward to return to play, but time and money is needed before we can have people through the clubhouse. What support is available for us to improve our facilities?

The $15.5 million Active Restart Infrastructure Recovery Fund will offer grants for minor capital works and support clubs to purchase equipment to help them resume normal activities and assist generating revenue. This funding will be available after Stage 2. Further information will be provided.

7. Times are tough for us and the families in our community. How is the Queensland Government helping families return to play?

Many Queensland families have struggled during these unprecedented times. To help young participants return to play, the Queensland Government will be providing funding of $11 million in FairPlay vouchers. This will offer up to $150 for around 73,000 young Queenslanders to participate in local organised sporting activities.

8. How can the playing field be equal so all clubs from all suburbs can get ready to return to play?

The Queensland Government has committed $51.3 million to help local clubs re-start across Queensland. This funding offers different options for clubs, peak bodies and families who have been struggling due to COVID-19, with all sport and recreation clubs eligible to apply.

9. We rely on the support of volunteers and due to COVID-19 we can’t be sure that we will have the same support for raising funds. Is there any government support to help us re-start?

The Queensland Government recognises the commitment of volunteers to keep clubs running. The $15.5 million Active Restart Infrastructure Recovery Fund for minor works will support clubs to buy revenue-generating equipment that the tireless fundraising efforts of hard-working volunteers would have otherwise made possible. Further information will be provided.

10. When will community sport start again?

The easing of restrictions is taking place through a staged approach:

  • Stage 2: (from 12:00pm,1 June) – Groups of 20 including the commencement of non-contact indoor and outdoor community sport.
  • A number of COVID Safe Industry Plans for sport, recreation and fitness are being developed to cover all operations across the industry in Queensland.
  • These plans will seek approval for flexibility regarding the restrictions on behalf of all clubs and organisations within the sector including, where appropriate, allowing more participants and spectators than specified in the roadmap.
  • The approved Industry Plans will provide a checklist and guidance material including information on health and hygiene, facility management and physical distancing measures.
  • The COVID Safe Industry Plans for sport, recreation and fitness are currently being considered.
  • Stage 3: (anticipated 10 July) Groups of up to 100. Further advice to be provided as Stage 3 approaches.

Numbers quoted are inclusive of all people in attendance – participants, spectators, coaches etc. Through all stages, public health advice is to be followed including physical distancing, application of space requirements indoors, hand hygiene and cleaning.

11. Can teams train now?

Stage 2 allows for the commencement of non-contact indoor and outdoor activity for groups of up to 20 people, including community sport and organised training.

All activities must be non-contact.

12. How many players, visitors or members are we able to host?

For Stage 2, groups of up to 20 people are allowed to conduct non-contact indoor and outdoor community sport with appropriate social distancing practices (1.5 metres between people). The limit of 20 people includes participants and any other person around the gathering, including staff, trainers and instructors.

Physical distancing rules should be maintained: 1 person per 4 square metres, along with appropriate social distancing and enhanced hygiene measures.

Further work is being undertaken with QSport and the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation and state sporting organisations to develop COVID Safe Industry Plans which is under consideration and will be available shortly.

13. What about the Fair Play voucher I have that I applied for earlier this year and hasn’t been used due to restrictions? Is it still valid?

The expiration dates for Round 2 of the FairPlay vouchers have been extended.

Vouchers must be presented to activity providers by 11 November 2020, and redeemed by activity providers by 25 November 2020.

14. How will I know when community sport resumes that my club is COVID safe?

Before re-opening, organisations and businesses delivering sport, recreation and fitness activities must consider how to meet physical distancing and hygiene obligations at the relevant stages.

Further work is being undertaken with QSport and the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation and State Sporting Organisations to develop COVID Safe Industry Plans which is under consideration and will be available shortly.

15. Will parents be able to spectate when community sport resumes?

Parents should contact their club to understand how their sport will resume. Spectators and non-essential personnel should be minimised as they will be counted within the people limit that is relevant at that particular stage of the Recovery Roadmap.

See question 10 for more information.

16. My club is not currently in financial difficulty due to COVID-19, should I be applying for the COVID SAFE Active Clubs Kickstart funding?

While all clubs are eligible for COVID SAFE Active Clubs Kickstart funding, it is up to individual clubs to determine whether they need the assistance and therefore want to apply for support.