Queensland Rugby Union is coordinating a consortium grant application to upgrade outdated sports lighting at affiliated clubs — reducing energy costs and improving training environments across the Queensland rugby network.
QRU is applying as the lead organisation of a consortium under the Australian Government's Game On: Teaming Up for Climate Action grant program. The program provides up to $100,000 per club for eligible energy efficiency upgrades.
This program directly supports the QRU Community Facilities Strategy 2026–30, which identifies improving venue capacity and reducing operating costs as priority outcomes for community rugby across Queensland. LED lighting upgrades address both — extending usable training hours on existing fields while significantly reducing energy bills for volunteer-run clubs.
The QRU consortium is focused on one specific project type only: LED retrofit of existing sports lighting using existing pole infrastructure. This scope has been set deliberately to keep projects simple, consistent, and deliverable.
In scope:
- LED replacement of metal halide, halogen or incandescent systems
- Using existing poles only
- Targeting minimum 100 lux (AS2560.2:2021)
- Associated minor electrical and control works
Not in scope:
- New poles or new field lighting installations
- Major electrical upgrades or trenching
- Clubhouse or amenity works
- Any other facility infrastructure
Clubs with more complex needs are encouraged to apply directly to the Government program as individual applicants.
To participate, clubs must be a current QRU affiliate, be an incorporated entity with a current ABN, have existing pole infrastructure, and be willing to co-contribute financially to project costs.
For full eligibility criteria, prioritisation factors, and what is expected of approved clubs — including the timeline and documentation requirements.
EOIs are open for affiliated Queensland rugby clubs. The QRU consortium deadline is 26 June 2026.