Clubs back on their feet thanks to sport funding

More than 70 flood damaged sport and recreation clubs across Queensland have now received much needed funding to help them get back on their feet, Sport Minister Steve Dickson has announced.

Mr Dickson said the Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program had been overwhelmed with grant applications, highlighting the scale of the massive weather events which swamped the state.

“The response to the program has been so positive, the Newman Government last week increased funding from $1 million to $2.2 million,” Mr Dickson said.

“This is testament to our desire to see Queensland's clubs back up and running after the destruction caused by the heavy rains and flooding following ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald earlier this year.

“I am continuing to work with damaged clubs across the state to ensure we do everything in our power to get them back up and running, as well as encouraging those in the worst affected locations to seek additional support from QRAA.

"Sport and recreation clubs are an important part of our local communities, particularly in smaller rural and regional communities that have been hit hard by these extreme natural events.”

The volume of grant applications being received has also meant the Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing (NPRSR) has been forced to move the due date for affected clubs to apply to 5pm next Monday 15 April.

Mr Dickson said he urged all flood damaged clubs to get their applications in as quickly as possible.

Information and application forms are available on the NPRSR website, www.nprsr.qld.gov.au, from the Department’s local Sport and Recreation Service Centres, and by phoning 1300 656 191.

[ENDS] 9 April 2013

Media contact: Anna Hilton 0408 191 192