Newman pledges $5m for grassroots sport

The Newman government has pledged an extra $5 million over the next three years to boost grassroots sport involvement in Queensland.

The premier announced the funding boost for the Get in the Game program at Ashgrove Sports Ground on Saturday.

The scheme means families can get vouchers up to $150 to help reduce the cost of sports club memberships, as well as providing financial grants for the clubs themselves.

Clubs will also receive extra money for state, national and international championships.

"(This) will allow (people) to take their sporting dreams to greater levels, so that they are not held back by some financial constraint, in terms of competing in top-class sport," Mr Newman said.

He said the plan had already been budgeted for and would not rely on money generated by the Liberal National Party's "Strong Choices" asset lease scheme.

But the widened range of financial support on offer meant the announcement was not just an old policy dressed up as an election pitch, he said.

Tackling obesity was also a major aim of the expanded program, Sports Minister Steve Dickson said.

"We are in a battle against obesity," Mr Dickson said.

"We are doing everything we can in giving young, disadvantaged families the opportunity to be involved in sport."

Queenslanders head to the polls on January 31.

THE GET IN THE GAME SCHEME

* Gives vouchers up to $150 for sports club membership

* Financial support for athletes and officials attending championships at state, national and international level

* Grants up to $10,000 for clubs to buy equipment and train volunteers

* Grants up to $100,000 for club facilities

* Grants up to $1.5 million for larger sport infrastructure