Newsroom

June 13, 2024

In addition to the State Government’s extension of FairPlay vouchers to all Queensland children — schools and sporting venues across Hinchinbrook have also received significant funding boosts in this year’s State Budget.

Engagement in sport is not only beneficial to the physical health of children but is also imperative to their mental health according to Hinchinbrook MP and Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader, Nick Dametto who said he welcomed the extension of FairPlay vouchers to all Queensland children.

“Sport has so many benefits including physical, social and psychological but many parents would agree that the cost of participating in community sports is slowly become unattainable for many Queensland families,” the Hinchinbrook MP said.

“Kids shouldn’t be missing sport because of a cost issue. I don’t think you need a psychology degree to know what happens when kids are bored and don’t engage in healthy activities that challenge them.

“Getting more kids involved in sport is a good thing. We’re extremely fortunate that Hinchinbrook has a vast array of local community sports on offer.”

A spokesperson from the Ingham Football Club (Ingham FC) said that the FairPlay voucher program had been a great boost for Ingham FC since its inception.

“Expanding the scope of the scheme to now apply to children of all walks of life will be a great benefit, particularly in smaller communities such as Ingham.

“We’re really hoping to see an even greater increase in our participation numbers as it becomes easier for families to afford the costs of their child’s registration.”

In addition to the FairPlay vouchers, several schools across Hinchinbrook were successful in securing funding for much needed tuckshop and playground upgrades.

Twenty-one schools across Hinchinbrook will receive some funding for minor maintenance works. Out of the high schools, Northern Beaches and Ingham State High secured important infrastructure funding.

Mr Dametto said that Hinchinbrook’s small schools were great schools and many of them would benefit from the funding provided for play and sports infrastructure upgrades.

He made special mention of Murray River Upper State School which was set to receive $492,000 for upgrades to their tennis court.

“Playground upgrades will take place at Victoria Plantation State School, Mount Fox State School, Lower Tully State School, Kennedy State School and Toobanna State School. I can’t wait to see these projects delivered across the electorate!

“Benefits will be had for both children and adults with lighting upgrades at the North Thuringowa Rugby League Football Club worth $157,907 and irrigation works worth $112,062 at the Cardwell Golf Club also being included in the budget.

“Hinchinbrook is ideal for promoting active lifestyles and I am pleased to represent an area that proudly boasts and promotes sport as well as our beautiful outdoors. I encourage everyone to get involved.”