Department of Communities Sport and Recreation Services

Ahead of the Game: A consultation paper for a sport and recreation vision for Queensland Photo: Courtesy Stadiums Queensland Stadiums Courtesy Photo:

Tomorrow’s Queensland: strong, green, smart, healthy and fair Ahead of the Game: A consultation paper for a sport and recreation vision for Queensland Table of Contents

Minister’s foreword...... 2 Purpose...... 3 Your views...... 3 Definitions...... 4 Sport and recreation ...... 4 Our roles ...... 4 Context...... 6 State level...... 6 National level...... 6 Our principles ...... 7 The benefits of sport and recreation...... 8 Responding to change...... 9 Where are we now?...... 10 Places and spaces...... 10 Participation...... 11 Sport and recreation capacity...... 13 Elite athletes...... 15 Action questions...... 16 Have your say...... 17

© The State of Queensland (Department of Communities) 2011. Published by the Queensland Government, October 2011, 111 George Street, Brisbane Qld 4000.

The Queensland Government supports and encourages the dissemination and exchange of information. However, copyright protects this document. The State of Queensland has no objection to this material being reproduced, made available online or electronically but only if it is recognised as the owner of the copyright and this material remains unaltered. Copyright enquiries about this publication should be directed to Sport and Recreation Services in the Department of Communities, by email to [email protected] or in writing to PO Box 806, Brisbane QLD 4001.

Copies of this publication can be obtained at www.communities.qld.gov.au/sportrec

Ahead of the Game: A consultation paper for a sport and recreation vision for Queensland 1 Minister’s foreword

It has been a stellar year for sport and recreation in Queensland during 2011. The Brisbane Roar scored a unique football double bringing home both the men’s and women’s premierships, the Queensland Reds won the Super Rugby title, the Queensland Firebirds were a shining light on the netball court, we’ve seen the rise of Queensland golden girls Sam Stosur and Sally Pearson, and the departure of a true legend in Darren Lockyer. Each year the Queensland Government continues to invest more than any other state in grass roots sport and recreation, because we know every Queensland champion starts their journey at a local club. Our funding provides new clubhouses and playing and recreation facilities, allows sport and recreation organisations to grow and attract new participants, and supports pathways to participation for all Queenslanders. The Queensland Government also invests in world-class stadiums like the Suncorp Stadium redevelopment and the newly opened Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast, because they inject hundreds of millions of dollars into our economy and attract great events that benefit all Queenslanders. The Queensland Government is also encouraging nature-based outdoor recreation by building rail trails, such as the award-winning Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. These trails draw individuals and families to everything from thrill - seeking recreation activities and serious hiking through to more relaxed bushwalking and camping trips. We have also made 745 hectares of state land available at Wyaralong for a dedicated trail bike facility to support off-road motorcycling. This year the Queensland Government has committed more funding to attract new events to support tourism, including sports tourism. This means more events for Queensland like the Brisbane International tennis, the Bledisloe Cup, the AFL premiership matches in Cairns and the Challenge Cairns. This support reinforces Queensland’s reputation as the Champion State, and the Events State. We are also inclusive, providing pathways for those who face barriers to participation in sport and recreation, so that everyone can reach their best. Queenslanders love their sport and recreation, and as a state we punch well above our weight. But that doesn’t mean we can rest on our achievements. We know there are challenges, such as an expanding population, increasing levels of obesity, uncertain economic times and time-poor families. That’s why the Queensland Government is releasing this consultation paper to help develop a new vision for sport and recreation. We want you to have your say about how you see the future of sport and recreation in Queensland.

Phil Reeves MP Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport

2 Ahead of the Game: A consultation paper for a sport and recreation vision for Queensland Photo: Thinkstock, Polka Dot Images Dot Polka Thinkstock, Photo:

Purpose Your views Ahead of the game: A consultation paper for a We want your feedback. You are invited to have sport and recreation vision for Queensland is being your say on the future of sport and recreation in released with the aim of developing a new vision for Queensland by completing the online survey at sport and recreation and to provide an overarching www.communities.qld.gov.au/sportrec or attending framework for decision-making across the sport and one of our community forums around the state. recreation sector. Please provide your views by: The Queensland Government is seeking the views Attending a community forum or of Queenslanders across the state on appropriate completing the online survey at priorities to shape this new vision. Questions within www.communities.qld.gov.au/sportrec this consultation paper are intended to prompt suggestions which will provide the basis for the Do you have any questions? future of sport and recreation in Queensland. Contact us on: [email protected] Alignment with the new vision may assist individuals and organisations to achieve increased participation in sport and recreation and higher performance levels. This vision will link the priorities of the National Sport and Active Recreation Policy Framework and the Queensland Government’s 2020 vision — Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland.

Ahead of the Game: A consultation paper for a sport and recreation vision for Queensland 3 Definitions Our roles Sport and recreation The sport and recreation industry in Queensland is a network of individuals (participants, volunteers, The following definitions align with the National Sport administrators, officials and leaders) and and Active Recreation Policy Framework. organisations (state and local government, not-for- profit clubs and associations, state organisations Sport is defined as: and a broad range of commercial operators). A human activity involving physical exertion and skill as the primary focus of the activity, with Queensland Government elements of competition where rules and patterns The principal State Government agency with a role of behaviour governing the activity exist formally of providing opportunities to participate in sport through organisations and is generally recognised and recreation activities is the Department of as a sport. Communities (Sport and Recreation Services). The department’s role includes delivering programs, Recreation (for the purposes of this paper) as well as supporting other service providers. It also is defined as: includes: Recreation activities are those engaged in for the • formulating and coordinating relevant policy purpose of relaxation, health and wellbeing or • funding sport and recreation programs and enjoyment with the primary activity requiring physical activities that encourage people to participate exertion, and the primary focus on human activity. • providing leadership for sport and recreation organisations • assisting sport and recreation organisations to become more sustainable by building the capability of their leaders, coaches and officials. The department also plans for, and invests in, Photo: iStockphoto, Craig Jones Craig iStockphoto, Photo: infrastructure that meets communities’ needs. In addition, the Queensland Academy of Sport develops athletes for success in national and international competitions, supporting more than 600 athletes across 22 different sports. Other State Government departments and entities have varying degrees of influence on, and interest in, sport and recreation activities. Some have a direct influence in terms of funding land and infrastructure. For example, the: • Department of Environment and Resource Management funds infrastructure (e.g. tracks and camping grounds) in national parks, state forests and forest reserves • Department of Transport and Main Roads funds the development of cycle paths to support active transport and boat ramps • Department of Local Government and Planning supports the development of trails. Other agencies, such as Queensland Health and the Department of Education and Training have specific initiatives, such as physical activity and school sport. They also work in partnership with the Department of Communities on specific initiatives to maximise the positive health, educational, and social outcomes of participation in sport and recreation.

4 Ahead of the Game: A consultation paper for a sport and recreation vision for Queensland The Queensland Government through Stadiums Queensland is responsible for managing, operating and promoting the use of major public facilities for the staging of community, elite sporting and entertainment events. Events Queensland attracts, supports, grows and promotes successful events in Queensland, including major sport and recreation events.

Local government Local governments play a key role in providing sport and recreation infrastructure, including open spaces. In many instances, they establish the associated local management and access policies, and support and coordinate local and regional service providers (venues and programs). Local governments can incorporate sport and recreation development and participation opportunities in their planning schemes. They are often the integral link between State Government (on targeted program delivery) and non-government organisations that enable participation.

Australian Government The Australian Government plays a role in sport and recreation in collaboration with state and Photo: Jan Hendricks territory governments and sport and recreation Sally Pearson, 100 metre hurdles World Champion organisations. They also fund national sport and and Olympic athlete. recreation organisations.

Not-for-profit sector Regional and local organisations State level organisations Regional associations, clubs and community groups State level organisations deliver programs and operate local competitions and other opportunities initiatives that support regional associations and for participation in sport and recreation activities. clubs to provide membership services and deliver They provide membership services and deliver sport activity at the grass roots level. and recreation. They provide leadership for the sport and recreation In many cases, these clubs and organisations play sector, including infrastructure planning, delivery a key part in developing talent and identifying and management, development of state plans, program initiatives. advocacy, capacity and capability building, commercial opportunities, governance, events They often partner with local government in management and workforce development (including planning and managing local sport and recreation coaching and officiating). infrastructure. They develop and coordinate policy, programs, and Commercial operators large scale initiatives – often in collaboration with While working independently, local commercial the Queensland Government. providers can contribute in parallel to the not-for- The Queensland Government provides almost profit sector. Health and fitness centres, sports $9 million per year to state level organisations to centres and other commercial providers play a key help support the delivery of sport and recreation role in providing access to sport and recreation. opportunities across Queensland. Under the current They can provide competition and participation program, this funding is also guaranteed until the opportunities, identify and develop talent and work end of 2013, which provides certainty for sports with local government in planning and managing and allows them to better plan for the future. infrastructure.

Ahead of the Game: A consultation paper for a sport and recreation vision for Queensland 5 Context National level Our vision will align with the National Sport and The sport and recreation vision will align with key Active Recreation Policy Framework, released in state and national planning documents. mid 2011 following endorsement by all Australian Ministers for sport and recreation, which includes State level the following priority areas and objectives: Our vision will align with the relevant ambitions and targets from the Queensland Government’s Participation Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland 2020 vision, • increase participation in sport and active which include: recreation • increase participation of particular sub groups Green – Protecting our lifestyle under represented in sport and recreation and environment • increase land for public recreation by 50 per cent International performance • Australia continues to excel in international Healthy – Making Queenslanders sporting competition Australia’s healthiest people • cut obesity by one-third National competitions • Australian national sporting competitions are Fair – Supporting safe and caring viable and prepare athletes for international communities success • increase by 50 per cent the proportion of • showcase the sport and provide a revenue Queenslanders involved in their communities stream as volunteers. System sustainability (sport and recreation capacity) • increase the number of paid and unpaid workforce • increase the capacity, diversity and capability of organisations within the sport and active recreation system Photo: iStockphoto, Filo iStockphoto, Photo: • ensure sport and active recreation is valued and viable • operate successful sport and recreation events • safeguard integrity in sport and recreation • support participation through well planned, designed and managed facilities and open spaces (places and spaces)

System alignment and collaboration • improve collaboration and alignment within the sport and active recreation system

Helping to meet broader objectives • increase use of sport and recreation to achieve wider public policy outcomes

Research and data review • a robust evidence base for activities in the sport and active recreation system.

6 Ahead of the Game: A consultation paper for a sport and recreation vision for Queensland Our principles The following principles align with the National Sport and Active Recreation Policy Framework to suit sport and recreation in Queensland.

Partnerships Individuals, clubs and associations, state sport and recreation organisations and governments should work in partnership to pool skills, experience and resources to achieve better outcomes for all with clear and compelling benefits identified for each party.

Flexibility Sport and recreation should be responsive to local needs and social, economic, environmental and technological changes.

Improvement Across the sport and recreation sector, we should be striving for a culture of improvement and building a sound evidence base for our decision-making.

Enjoyment Participation in sport and recreation should be fun and enjoyable for all, whether the activity Photo: Vicki Yen is a bushwalk or an elite competition.

Inclusion Sport and recreation activities should be available and easy to access for all regardless of gender, race, culture, age, religion, location, wealth, language or abilities.

Respect Our leaders, administrators and officials who help to create sport and recreation activities should find the experience enjoyable and rewarding. We must respect and value their work, especially since many are volunteers.

Ahead of the Game: A consultation paper for a sport and recreation vision for Queensland 7 Sport and recreation activities promote positive The benefits social values, including honesty, fair play, respect, tolerance and teamwork. This enables individuals and communities to develop resilience, problem- of sport and solving skills and connections to nature, while also strengthening family units, providing positive recreation educational outcomes and reducing the incidence of anti-social behaviour. Lifelong and regular participation in sport and recreation activities benefits individuals, the Economic outcomes community and the state. These benefits relate to The improved health and social outcomes health, social and economic outcomes. associated with participation in sport and recreation We need to use these benefits to build stronger can contribute to positive economic outcomes for communities in Queensland. individuals, the community and Queensland, such as: Health outcomes • opening up employment opportunities through For individuals, participation in sport and recreation social networks activities can result in improved health outcomes, • generating savings in health services including decreased risk of obesity, diabetes and • increasing productivity in the workforce and heart disease. creating fewer sick days Additional positive health outcomes from regular • increasing the pool of volunteers. participation in sport and recreation may include a sense of achievement and heightened self esteem. Participation in sport and recreation can also contribute directly to economic growth through Social outcomes increased trade, infrastructure and tourism. Participation in sport and recreation enables Our stadiums attract major sporting events individuals and groups to come together in a which create game-day jobs and stimulate local positive forum. It provides opportunities for social economies, and the hosting of sporting events connection and for creating vibrant communities. at various levels across the state can contribute to enhanced economic activity in local and regional Volunteers participating in the sport and recreation areas. sector generate many benefits for our community.

Question 1: To help get the most out of sport and recreation in terms of contributing to Queensland’s economy and the community, how important are the following? Rank from 1 (most important) to 4 (least important) RR supporting more world-class and regional events to boost the economy RR encouraging involvement in sport and recreation as a way to feel more connected with the community RR using sport and recreation as a tool for promoting positive social interactions rather than negative anti-social behaviours (e.g. to reduce crime) Photo: Photo: Studio Momentum RR promoting sport and recreation as part of everyday life for individuals and families

8 Ahead of the Game: A consultation paper for a sport and recreation vision for Queensland Responding to Photo: Thinkstock change Sport and recreation is subject to a range of internal and external challenges which need to be taken into account in shaping our actions for the future. These include: • the current economic climate • demographic changes • environmental factors • technological advances • lifestyle changes. Economic climate With the current economic climate there is increasing pressure on, and competition for, government funding. Demographic changes Queensland’s expanding population, particularly in the south east corner of the state, will mean a greater demand on, and competition for, sport and recreation land and infrastructure. In addition, Queensland’s population is ageing and diversifying. These changes are likely to affect the types of activities demanded and the nature of access required. Environmental factors Queenslanders are no strangers to natural disasters, particularly after the events of early 2011. Weather events can adversely affect the condition of our sport and recreation places and facilities. Question 2: Thinking about lifestyle Technological advances pressures that can influence Technology now competes with sport and recreation for leisure time. However, technology can contribute decisions to participate in sport positively to sport and recreation in a number of and recreation, how important are ways including contributing to sports science and as the following? a vehicle for improved communication. Rank from 1 (most important) to 4 (least important) Lifestyle changes RR work commitments Over the past 50 years, we have experienced RR family/household commitments lifestyle changes, including an increase in less RR travel time active professional occupations and busier daily RR cost of living schedules. These factors can make transporting children to after-school and weekend sport more difficult, while many adults struggle to fit recreation time into their routines. A sedentary lifestyle and a lack of social interaction and support networks can contribute to the development of health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression and anxiety.

Ahead of the Game: A consultation paper for a sport and recreation vision for Queensland 9 Management of places, stadiums and events Where are we now? Stadiums The Queensland Government’s support for sport The Queensland Government, through Stadiums and recreation has contributed to the: Queensland, owns a suite of world-class stadiums and venues that stage major community and elite • development and management of places sporting events. and spaces • promotion of participation opportunities More than 4.64 million people attended 630 events at Stadiums Queensland venues including Suncorp • development of sport and recreation capacity Stadium, Metricon Stadium (Carrara), Skilled Park, • development of our elite athletes. Dairy Farmers Stadium, The Gabba, Queensland Some of the key achievements over the last four Tennis Centre, Sleeman Sports Complex, Brisbane years are listed below. Entertainment Centre and the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC). Places and spaces This central management of facilities enhances opportunities for Queensland to attract sport, Funding recreation, entertainment and other significant Infrastructure events by leveraging off the unique attributes of Since 2007 the Queensland Government has each venue. provided more than $118 million for new and Events improved sport and recreation infrastructure Events play a vital role in attracting visitors to through its infrastructure grants. This means more Queensland and supporting Queensland’s tourism playing fields, courts and other recreation spaces, industry. The Queensland Government, through and better lighting and shelter to improve existing Events Queensland, works to secure events such as: playing surfaces. • hosting the Bledisloe Cup Regional Tennis Facilities Program • bringing AFL premiership games to Cairns In addition, the $18.3 million Regional Tennis Facilities Program, delivered in partnership with • moving the Australian Surf Life Saving Tennis Queensland, is providing state-of-the-art Championships to the Gold Coast. tennis facilities in five regional centres: Cairns, These events stimulate local economies, create jobs Rockhampton, Townsville, Toowoomba and Mt Isa. and are great for Queensland sports fans. Sustainable communities Other facilities Under the Sustainable Resources Communities The Queensland Government owns and manages a projects, $9.5 million was provided for five sport range of sport and recreation assets. Sports Houses and recreation projects to help build sustainable in Woolloongabba, Milton and Townsville provide communities. an administrative base and meeting facilities for Natural disaster grants 36 sporting associations and support bodies and The Queensland Government has supported their communities. not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations The Townsville Sports Reserve, co-located with in their recovery from natural disasters since the Townsville Sports House, provides an internationally devastation caused by Cyclone Larry in 2006. certified athletics track and two international The Sport and Recreation Flood Fightback Plan, standard rugby fields catering for rugby union, rugby released in January 2011, was designed to assist league and football. sport and recreation clubs to re-establish facilities The Toowoomba Sports Ground, also known and repair or replace equipment damaged in the as the Clive Berghofer Stadium, is used to host a Queensland natural disasters. This program funded wide variety of international, national and regional 318 infrastructure projects ($11.68 million); sporting events. 19 tennis infrastructure projects ($1.55 million); and 249 equipment projects ($1.95 million). The Active Recreation Centres located across Queensland facilitate programs that encourage greater participation in sport and recreation by providing facilities, accommodation and activity programs for school groups, sport and recreation organisations and community organisations.

10 Ahead of the Game: A consultation paper for a sport and recreation vision for Queensland Participation Question 3: To make our places and The Queensland Government works with sport and spaces for sport and recreation more recreation organisations to increase the number of attractive for Queenslanders, how Queenslanders participating in physical activity. People who are under-represented in sport and important are the following? recreation include children, youth and families Rank from 1 (most important) to 4 (least important) at risk; people with a disability; Aboriginal and RR easy to access (e.g. close to home, work Torres Strait Islander people; people from culturally or public transport) and linguistically diverse backgrounds; and RR available for multiple activities and disadvantaged and vulnerable communities. occasions RR suits participants’ skills or activity needs Increasing participation for all Queenslanders RR high quality (e.g. safe, clean, attractive, minimal crowding) Getting kids active Through the Get Active Queensland Schools Program, athletes visit schools to encourage kids to participate in sport and recreation. Since the program’s inception in 2002, athletes have made 2,700 school visits across Queensland, engaging 310,000 students.

Educational resources In 2010-11, the Queensland Government provided funding of $500,000 for the Children and Young People Strategy, a suite of resources for teachers, parents, carers and early childhood professionals, designed to get more Queensland children active. Resources such as Move Baby Move and Let’s Get Moving provide guidance and practical examples on the range of fundamental movement skills that children should experience and develop in their early years. More than 57,746 copies of these resources were distributed free of charge in 2010-11 – with more than 322,257 sent since inception of the strategy.

Participation opportunities Each year the Queensland Government provides almost $9 million to state level sporting organisations – more than other states – to support, deliver and develop programs and services that engage people in sport and recreation. These include new participation programs, target group activities, talent identification and participation

Photo: Courtesy Stadiums Queensland Stadiums Courtesy Photo: pathways, regional delivery, participation events and club support. Through the State Sport and Recreation Organisation Development Program, 79 state level organisations are supported to develop and deliver programs and activities that engage people in sport and recreation including new participation programs, target group The Queensland Tennis Centre is Brisbane’s premier activities, talent identification and participation tennis facility pathways, regional delivery, participation events and club support.

Ahead of the Game: A consultation paper for a sport and recreation vision for Queensland 11 Active recreation activities and programs Two surf programs are provided annually, one The Queensland Government owns and operates targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander six Active Recreation Centres across Queensland children and another targeting children from offering accommodation, healthy choices catering non-English speaking backgrounds. and a variety of activities for people of all ages (such as surfing, ropes courses, orienteering, Remote communities canoeing, fencing, swimming, and fishing). The Queensland Government currently funds the Programs provide users, particularly school children, state level organisations delivering rugby league, with sport and recreation activities to help establish Australian rules football and hockey to support the a lifelong interest in recreational pursuits. employment of development officers in Cape York communities. In 2010-11, the centres delivered a total of 294,337 hours of instructor-led activity. A total of 148,000 Support for children in care bed nights were booked at the centres with school In 2010-11, 183 people attended Let’s Get Moving groups accounting for 68 per cent of this total. Foster Carer workshops in 19 locations across The Queensland Government’s Outlook Services the state. in south east Queensland (Boonah) and in far In 2010-11, 2,403 children in care were supported to north Queensland provide adventure-based participate in organised sport and recreation activities. learning programs and capacity building support Carers are reimbursed a maximum of $300 over the to organisations serving the needs of at-risk and year to cover registration and participation fees. specific stakeholder groups. Disadvantaged communities Social marketing In 2010-11, the Queensland Government invested The Queensland Government’s A Healthier $96,000 for Sport Equipment Libraries in 12 Queensland campaign, launched in March 2011, disadvantaged communities across Queensland, promotes healthy lifestyle messages, including an providing free access to borrow quality sports initiative to find 30 minutes of physical activity a day. equipment.

Increasing participation for under- People with a disability represented groups The Queensland Government will provide $100,000 Indigenous communities in 2012 to state level organisations and Deaf Sports and Recreation Queensland for interpreter services Between 2007 and 2011, the Queensland to improve access for the deaf and hearing impaired Government provided $1.9 million per year for community to sport and recreation services. the Queensland Police Citizens Youth Welfare Association to expand the Community Activities Program through education initiatives in four discrete Indigenous communities at Aurukun, Question 4: To encourage Kowanyama, Northern Peninsular Area and Woorabinda, to support the Alcohol Reform Project. Queenslanders to participate more Over the past three years, the Queensland regularly in sport and recreation, Government has also been working with the how important are the following? Queensland Police Citizens Youth Welfare Rank from 1 (most important) to 4 (least important) Association to deliver sport and recreation activities RR reducing costs of participation (e.g. travel, for Indigenous Queenslanders, with total funding membership fees) of $15.3 million. RR getting kids involved from an early age In 2010-11, the Deadly Sports program engaged RR providing more flexible opportunities for 7,394 students in 37 locations to promote the participation (e.g. times, places) benefits of sport and recreation in Indigenous communities. Sport clinics were delivered RR increasing exposure and access to a range by sporting ambassadors to an average of of activities (e.g. new, popular activities, 300 participants at each event. less structured activities, traditional sports)

12 Ahead of the Game: A consultation paper for a sport and recreation vision for Queensland Sport and recreation capacity To improve access Question 5: The Queensland Government’s support for the for people who find it difficult to development of sport and recreation capacity participate in sport and recreation, relates to: how important are the following? • increasing the capacity, diversity and capability of organisations Rank from 1 (most important) to 4 (least important) • safeguarding integrity in sport and recreation. RR building the capacity of sport and recreation organisations to work with and support people who find it difficult Increasing capacity, diversity and capability to participate of organisations RR holding targeted events for specific Workshops, forums and accreditation courses community groups In 2010–11, 3,125 community sport volunteers RR planning and designing places, spaces accessed professional development through: and activities to cater for a broader range • Building Active Community workshops of community groups (158 workshops) RR simplifying access to information about • Sports Locker Room programs (16 forums). what is available and where Within that same period, 2,189 teachers, school sport volunteers, and tertiary and senior school students attended 157 Get Active Queensland accreditation courses across the state. More than 5,700 individuals attended these events in 2010-11, and 53 per cent of attendees gained formal sports coaching, officiating or sports first aid accreditation.

Funding for state level organisations Each year the Queensland Government provides almost $9 million to state level sporting organisations – more than other states – to support, deliver and develop programs and services that engage people in sport and recreation. These include new participation programs, target group activities, talent identification and participation pathways, regional delivery, participation events and club support. The State Sport and Recreation Organisation Development Program provides more than $26.4 million over three years to 79 state level organisations to support the delivery of participation programs, organisational support services and assist their capacity building. Photo: Thinkstock Photo: Funding for industry peak bodies The Industry Peak Body Funding supports the two recognised Industry Peak Bodies (QSport and Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation) to work in partnership with the Queensland Government to develop their respective sectors at all levels across the state. Each peak body has been approved $275,000 per year for 2011–2013.

Ahead of the Game: A consultation paper for a sport and recreation vision for Queensland 13 Funded positions Drug testing and anti-doping in sport education The Local Sport and Recreation Jobs Plan supports workshops were delivered to Queensland athletes, the employment of 111 local coordinators across in partnership with the Australian Sports Anti- the state with $17.3 million in funding committed Doping Agency. over three years. The coordinators will build the capacity and capabilities of organisations that Grants deliver sport and recreation activities. The $2 million Positive or it’s Pointless Equipment Program provides an incentive for identified junior Support for volunteers team sports clubs to develop and implement The Queensland Government has committed to a positive behaviour plan within their club. increase the proportion of Queenslanders involved The funding program is available to 10 team sports in their communities as volunteers by 50 per cent across Queensland. by 2020. On-line resources The Sport and Recreation Volunteer Reference Group The Queensland Government is working with the was established to identify and address issues and Australian Sports Commission to develop a Club challenges faced by our volunteers. An outcome of Health Checklist toolkit for national release. This this reference group has been the development of the software tool will establish a standard framework Sport and Recreation Volunteer Strategy for 2011–13. for development and capability work and simplify This strategy aims to more effectively manage our measuring improvements across the industry. It existing volunteers, build their skills and knowledge will also help clubs to identify priority areas for and recognise and promote the contributions improvement and create a shared centre of good of volunteers. practice resources.

Safeguarding integrity Policy, planning, procedures Workshops All Australian states and territories and the Since July 2011, the Ethics in Sport workshop (under Australian Government are working on an the Building Active Communities workshop program) implementation plan following the development has included the Positive or it’s pointless campaign of a match-fixing policy that was endorsed by all designed to encourage clubs and associations to Ministers of sport and recreation on 10 June 2011. implement a positive behaviour plan.

Question 6: To build the capacity of sport and recreation organisations, how important are the following?

Photo: Thinkstock, Ryan McVay Ryan Thinkstock, Photo: Rank from 1 (most important) to 4 (least important) RR providing opportunities for professional development (e.g. coaching, officiating) RR building skills in business and administration for clubs and organisations RR building skills in recruiting, retaining and recognising volunteers RR sharing knowledge, resources and research across organisations

14 Ahead of the Game: A consultation paper for a sport and recreation vision for Queensland Elite athletes To ensure we get the The Queensland Government has worked with the Question 7: sport and recreation sector to prepare athletes for best results from our elite athletes, national and international success. how important are the following? Some of Queensland’s best known sporting Rank from 1 (most important) to 4 (least important) identities are members, or former members, RR developing and retaining coaches of the Queensland Academy of Sport including and officials Grant Hackett, Susie O’Neil, Jamie Dwyer and RR identifying and nurturing talent from Anna Meares. an early age Coaching RR providing pathways and support for athletes across activities and throughout The Queensland Academy of Sport employs expert their career coaches to prepare athletes in primary sports RR providing support through state-of-the-art (i.e. those which compete at the Olympics). facilities, cutting edge technology Examples are: waterpolo, hockey, athletics, and research swimming, cycling, triathlon and rowing.

Facilities and technology In addition to providing specialist expertise, the Queensland Academy of Sport is committed to providing state-of-the-art facilities and cutting edge technology. A majority of the work is conducted at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre, Nathan Campus, Brisbane, which includes a weight training facility, laboratory, recovery centre and nutrition training centre. However, Queensland Academy of Sport services are also mobile and are provided at athlete locations throughout Queensland.

Career development Athlete career and education advisors assist athletes to cope with the pressures of elite sport by managing aspects of their lifestyle outside of sport, including career planning, developing skills and managing the transition to a career after sport.

Undertaking research for athlete and coach development The Queensland Academy of Sport was the first state institute/academy of sport within Australia Photo: Photos.com, Thinkstock to incorporate a sport research unit for athlete and coach development. In the last five years, the Queensland Academy of Sport Centre of Excellence has provided 135 publications/reports and more than 200 conference/seminar presentations of new research findings for research projects relating to injury management, coaching metabolism and technology development. It has also gained more than $2 million from research partners, including four Australian Research Council grants.

Ahead of the Game: A consultation paper for a sport and recreation vision for Queensland 15 Action questions 5. To improve access for people who find it difficult to participate in sport and 1. To help get the most out of sport and recreation, how important are the following? recreation in terms of contributing to Rank from 1 (most important) to 4 (least important) Queensland’s economy and the community, RR building the capacity of sport and recreation how important are the following? organisations to work with and support Rank from 1 (most important) to 4 (least important) people who find it difficult to participate RR supporting more world-class and regional RR holding targeted events for specific events to boost the economy community groups RR encouraging involvement in sport and RR planning and designing places, spaces and recreation as a way to feel more connected activities to cater for a broader range of with the community community groups RR using sport and recreation as a tool for RR simplifying access to information about promoting positive social interactions rather what is available and where than negative anti-social behaviours (e.g. to reduce crime) 6. To build the capacity of sport and recreation RR promoting sport and recreation as a part of organisations, how important are the everyday life for individuals and families following? Rank from 1 (most important) to 4 (least important) 2. Thinking about lifestyle pressures that can RR providing opportunities for professional influence decisions to participate in sport development (e.g. coaching, officiating) and recreation, how important are the following? RR building skills in business and Rank from 1 (most important) to 4 (least important) administration for clubs and organisations RR work commitments RR building skills in recruiting, retaining and recognising volunteers RR family/household commitments RR sharing knowledge, resources and research RR travel time across organisations RR cost of living 7. To ensure we get the best results from 3. To make our places and spaces for sport and our elite athletes, how important are the recreation more attractive for Queenslanders, following? how important are the following? Rank from 1 (most important) to 4 (least important) Rank from 1 (most important) to 4 (least important) RR developing and retaining coaches RR easy to access (e.g. close to home, work or and officials public transport) RR identifying and nurturing talent from an RR available for multiple activities and early age occasions RR providing pathways and support for athletes RR suits participants’ skills or activity needs across activities and throughout their career RR high quality (e.g. safe, clean, attractive, RR providing support through state of the art minimal crowding) facilities, cutting edge technology 4. To encourage Queenslanders to participate and research more regularly in sport and recreation, how important are the following? Rank from 1 (most important) to 4 (least important) RR reducing costs of participation (e.g. travel, membership fees) RR getting kids involved from an early age RR providing more flexible opportunities for participation (e.g. times, places) RR increasing exposure and access to a range of activities (e.g. new, popular activities, less structured activities, traditional sports)

16 Ahead of the Game: A consultation paper for a sport and recreation vision for Queensland Have your say We are interested in feedback from all Queenslanders. You are invited to have your say on the future of sport and recreation in Queensland by completing the online survey at www.communities. qld.gov.au/sportrec or attending one of our regional forums around the state.

Please provide your views by: Photo: Courtesy Stadiums Queensland Stadiums Courtesy Photo: Attending a community forum or completing the online survey at www.communities.qld.gov.au/sportrec

Do you have any questions? Contact us on: [email protected]

Metricon Stadium (also known as Carrara Stadium), located on the Gold Coast, is a world-class sporting venue and home of the Gold Coast Suns.

Ahead of the Game: A consultation paper for a sport and recreation vision for Queensland 17 Further information

Visit www.communities.qld.gov.au/sportrec Email [email protected] 3085-11 OCT11

18 Ahead of the Game: A consultation paper for a sport and recreation vision for Queensland