More Support For Damaged Sport Facilities

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, has called on local sporting clubs to take advantage of a recently announced fund to assist clubs in recovering from this year’s severe weather event.
The Sport and Recreation Recovery Program (SRRG) is jointly funded by the state and federal governments and will provide up to $1 Million for repairs and even upgrades to help mitigate the effects of future events.

“When events like those we saw earlier this year happen, the effects are felt across the community, including by our sporting clubs,” Mr Last said.  “Because of the importance of sport and similar activities in communities like ours, we wanted to ensure those clubs were supported.”

“Funding is available to help repair or replace a wide range of facilities and equipment.  In addition to fields and playing surfaces, repairs to canteens, fences, shade structures and car parks are also eligible for funding support.”

“For a lot of sports their seasons are coming to a close, so now is an ideal time to get in and tackle more expansive repairs that are needed to ensure clubs can fully recover and are prepared for the future.  While replacing ‘like for like’ will be suitable in most cases, we also want to ensure that opportunities to upgrade are given proper consideration.”

“If clubs can demonstrate that upgrading facilities and equipment represents good value for money, or will help mitigate the impacts of future disasters, then I would encourage them to apply for funding to make those upgrades.”

Mr Last said that even though the weather event may seem a long time ago, he was well aware of the effort clubs went to ensure activities were available, especially for younger players.
“Even though the weather event caused quite a lot of damage, we definitely have reason to be thankful,” he said.  “I know of several sports where volunteers jumped from their own clean-up to helping their club and, in some cases, the club came first.”

“To me, that’s why supporting our clubs with funding like this is so important.  We all know the benefits of being active, but we also have clubs where great examples of going the extra mile for your community is demonstrated on a regular basis and that is part of the fabric of our community.”

“Unlike many other funding programs, assessments will commence when applications are received.  Whilst that ensures that work gets underway as soon as possible, it also means that clubs need to be proactive because applications will close earlier if funding is exhausted.”

“We have made it clear to the federal government that there may be a need to extend the program or amend the eligibility criteria to ensure we get the best outcomes possible for our local groups.”

“We want our clubs to get back on their feet so Queenslanders can not only experience the physical and mental health benefits of sport but also the togetherness that these clubs bring to the community.  I’d encourage clubs to make contact with their Sport and Recreation officer as soon as possible to check their eligibility and to get their application lodged.”

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