Round 1 of the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund has been finalised, with a total of $810,472.50 Cricket Australia, Queensland Cricket and Australian Cricketers’ Association funding allocated towards 26 projects across the state.
The funding has amounted in $7,142,814.46 worth of cricket-related infrastructure across Queensland clubs, schools & councils.
Included within the list of 26 successful applicants were 14 from regional Queensland.
Among these 14 regionally funded projects, were Paroo Shire council (John Kerr Oval, Cunnamulla), Magpies Sporting Club (Magpies Sportsground, Mackay), Hervey Bay Cricket Association (Walkers Road Sports Precinct, Urangan) and Mulgrave Combined Cricket Association Inc (Walkers Road Sports Precinct, Edmonton).
Queensland Cricket’s strategic priorities were also met in this round through ‘lighting up’ multiple cricket fields and training facilities across Queensland, as funding was allocated towards four Field of Play and five Outdoor Practice Facility Floodlighting projects.
Included within these successful applicants were Scenic Rim Regional Council (Coronation Park, Boonah), Surfers Paradise-Benowa Cricket Club (Bruce Small Park, Benowa) and Valley District Cricket Club (Ashgrove Sportsground, Ashgrove).
With Round 2 of the ACIF set to open in mid-February, this season looks as though it will be similar to last, with 2022-23 being a record for the state.
No fewer than 80 projects secured ACIF seed funding at a value of $1,120,257 towards $6.5 million worth of total project cost.
Included in this was the new Cricket in Schools – Infrastructure Improvement Program funding initiative, which saw a $160,000 commitment into minor infrastructure grants, enabling schools to install new synthetic cricket wickets & training facilities, or resurface existing cricket pitches.
The ACIF is a joint initiative between Cricket Australia, Queensland Cricket and the Australian Cricketers’ Association, through its contribution via the Grassroots Cricket Fund, that allows cricket clubs and associations, schools and Councils to apply for funding to build and improve local cricket facilities and grounds.
For more information, visit our Grants and Infrastructure page here.
Alternatively, speak to your local Cricket Manager.