Queensland Rugby Union Facility Strategy 2026-30

The 2020–2025 Queensland Rugby Union Facility Strategy concludes this year, having provided a strong foundation for improving community rugby facilities across the state. Since 2022 alone, Queensland’s rugby clubs have secured over $3 million in infrastructure funding through 25 successful grant applications, driving meaningful upgrades and enhancements across the game.

As we look to the future, Queensland Rugby Union (QRU), in partnership with Rugby Australia, is developing a refreshed strategy to continue building and improving community rugby infrastructure. This forward-focused approach comes at a pivotal time for Australian sport, with a golden decade of major events on the horizon — including the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup, the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup, and the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. This new strategy also seeks to align with the Queensland Government’s Sport Strategy 2025, reinforcing the state’s commitment to community sport development.

Strategic Pillars

While the new strategy will evolve to meet current and future needs, the key pillars of the original Facility Strategy remain central to our approach:

• Improve Existing Venue Capacity: Maximise the carrying capacity and activation of existing rugby union playing fields and venues.
• Inclusive Rugby Facilities: Ensure community rugby infrastructure supports the diverse range of participants and formats within the game.
• Planning for Growth and Demand: Anticipate and accommodate future participation through innovative, fit-for-purpose facilities.
• Partnerships and Investment: Collaborate with all levels of government and industry to secure sustainable investment in infrastructure.

Project Identification & Prioritisation

A major focus of the updated strategy will be identifying priority infrastructure projects across Queensland. To help clubs prepare for future infrastructure opportunities, Rugby Australia’s Club Development Managers are available to provide guidance on meeting key compliance requirements, which are critical to unlocking government funding, as well as assist with project planning.

Clubs are now encouraged to submit their infrastructure projects via our new Infrastructure Project Submission Form. Submitted projects may be prioritised in the updated Strategy if the club:

• Meets legislative compliance measures under the Rugby Australia’s National Club Standards. These being:
  • An active ABN and is registered as an incorporated association.
  • A current constitution.
  • Meets financial obligations with the ATO and Office of Fair Trading.
  • An active Working with Children Check (WWCC) register in line with Blue card Services.
• Is registered on the Australian Sports Commission’s Game Plan portal and has completed the Infrastructure module, which is being utilised as an updated audit tool.

For more information or support, contact your local Club Development Manager

North Queensland & Affiliates

Matt Kaye

Matt.Kaye@rugby.com.au

South Queensland

John Butterworth

John.Butterworth@rugby.com.au

Queensland Rugby Union acknowledges the Queensland Government for its valuable support. Financial contributions through initiatives such as the Minor Infrastructure Program, Minor Infrastructure Facilities Fund, Community and Recreational Assets Recovery and Resilience Program, and the Active Game Day Project have significantly enhanced facilities across both premier and community rugby throughout the lifespan of the 2020–2025 strategy.