The Mount Isa session like those across the state was an initiative of the Queensland Government, Department of Housing and Public Works.

The speakers there were not authorised to speak directly to media but they did point me in the direction of the Queensland Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2019-2029 discussion paper.

Minister Mick de Brenni’s message in that paper was that while Queenslanders love their sport and active life, more needed to be done to ensure everyone had the opportunity to be active and the government wanted to hear what else could be done to overcome barriers to participation.

He pointed to the large amount of money the government was investing in sport – sadly pretty much all in the electorally sensitive south-east corner, mentioning the $40m Coomera Indoor Sports Centre which hosted the netball and gymnastics in the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and the $59m Anna Meares Velodrome which hosted the cycling.

The paper said 55 percent of Queensland children aged 5-17 did not meet physical activity guidelines while 38 percent of adults were not “sufficiently active”.

The figures are reversed for weight with two in three children but only one in three adults having a healthy weight.

The strategy was calling on feedback to help more Queenslanders participate in sport.

The benefits would be better health, more community connection and economic growth through investment in facilities.

Getting kids moving is seen as the key to encouraging lifelong participation in sport though the encouragement is there for people of all ages to “get moving”.

The crucial role of volunteers was also noted, not just to organise sporting events but also to build teamwork and foster leadership skills.

If you missed the session the other day, don’t worry – you can still provide feedback until October 12.

Complete the online survey at www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au or email sportrecstrategy@hpw.qld.gov.au – Derek Barry