Mudgeeraba children are being urged to kick-start an active New Year, by signing up for sporting vouchers under the Government’s Get in the Game program.

Get in the Game is part of the LNP Government’s strong plan to support grassroots sport and recreation, and includes Get Started vouchers of up to $150 to help mums and dads meet the costs of registration.

Member for Mudgeeraba, Ros Bates MP said applications for Round 5 of the Get Started program were now open (28 January, 2015).

“Get Started has been hugely successful, and I have no doubt we are going to see a flurry of applications in this round as parents, carers and guardians look to get their children involved in sport and recreation,” Ms Bates said.

“We all know that obesity is at epidemic levels in Australia and Queensland is unfortunately no exception.

“One of the quickest ways to slow, then reverse this trend, is through exercise and with the continued support of the LNP Government’s Get in the Game initiative we hope to turn this statistic around.

“So far more than 67,000 Get Started vouchers have been issued statewide, and we’ve also helped 1,430 clubs with activities to increase participation and approved 360 infrastructure and facilities projects.

“It’s pleasing to know that under the first four rounds of the Get Started program, 28 per cent of vouchers were issued to children who had not played club sport before.

“Queenslanders love their sport, but cost of living pressures often put playing sport out of the reach of many, so it’s wonderful that we’ve been able to make it an option for many Mudgeeraba families again.”

Minister for Recreation and Sport Steve Dickson said Get in the Game would continue if the LNP Government was re-elected, with a $69 million investment over the next three years – an increase of $5 million per year on current funding levels.

“Our Get in the Game program has been delivering better facilities, more equipment and making it more affordable for kids to participate in sport and I’m thrilled that this program will continue under an LNP Government,” he said.

“We’re continuing to invest in healthy, active futures for kids on the Sunshine Coast while providing Queenslanders with a path to better health and fitness.

“Thanks to our strong and careful financial management, we’re set to assist more clubs and families with the finances to ensure more Queenslanders are able to get fit and active.”

For more information on Get Started, visit www.nprsr.qld.gov.au