Funding

Upgrading and maintaining rugby facilities is vital to supporting participation and long-term growth—but significant improvements often come with significant costs. That’s why it's essential for clubs to adopt a proactive, long-term approach to infrastructure planning and funding.

Accessing grant funding is a valuable way to support infrastructure projects. However, being “grant-ready” goes beyond completing an application. Clubs should ensure they meet all key criteria—this includes up-to-date financial compliance with the Office of Fair Trading, current incorporation status, and any required landowner approvals or development permits.

There are a range of funding programs available to clubs across Queensland, including:

• Queensland Government grants via the Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games
• Gambling Community Benefit Fund for community-level capital projects
• Local government funding, often accessible through council asset renewal, maintenance, or community infrastructure plans

To improve your chances of securing infrastructure funding:

• Build strong relationships with local council officers and elected representatives at all levels—regular communication helps ensure your club’s priorities are understood and supported.
• Use evidence to justify the investment—data on participation growth, facility usage, and community demand can strengthen your application.
• Understand the full scope of your project by developing a master plan. This helps identify true costs, including staging, approvals, accessibility requirements, and long-term upkeep.

By planning ahead and engaging with the right partners, clubs can secure the infrastructure funding needed to support the future of rugby in their communities.

When considering facility upgrades, clubs should not only budget for initial construction costs but also for ongoing maintenance and operational expenses. Factoring these costs into your annual and long-term budgets ensures facilities remain safe, functional, and sustainable for years to come.

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.