$14.8 million assistance package for Far North and South Queensland disaster impacted sport and recreation organisations

The Albanese and Miles Government’s $14.8 million Sport and Recreation Community Facilities Recovery Program is boosting support for eligible sport and active recreation organisations and local governments hardest hit by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the South Queensland severe storms and rainfall.

Opening today, the $12 million Sport and Recreation Recovery Grant provides eligible organisations with funding between $20,000 and up to $1 million to assist with clean-up efforts, repair or replacement of equipment and facilities directly damaged by these disasters.

It is targeted to eligible organisations located in the eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) severely impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper: Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah.

Additionally, eligible organisations located in three LGAs activated for assistance under the South Queensland severe storms and rainfall event will be able to apply: Gold Coast, Logan, and Scenic Rim.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the website and check their eligibility:

https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/sport-and-recreation-recovery-grant

The Sport and Recreation Community Facilities Recovery Program is jointly funded through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and will be administered by the Department of Tourism and Sport.

This latest grant program follows the Queensland Government’s Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program, which was made available shortly after the summer events, with funding of up to $5,000 for immediate clean up and to re-establish facilities and activities. More than 250 organisations have received support through this program to date.

Quotes attributable to Senator for Queensland, Nita Green:

“Sporting clubs bring our community together during times of hardship and times of celebrations. This funding recognises the important role they play.

“It’s great to see applications now open for the grants, which will help sports clubs and facilities bounce back after TC Jasper and the SEQ storms.

“We recognise the critical role these organisations play in community recovery, through facilitating sport and active recreation events – and we know these are especially important for Queenslanders.

“The Albanese and Miles Governments are continuing to support communities on the road to recovery after the compounding disasters last summer.

“We’ve seen positive community health and wellbeing outcomes from similar programs in the past, so I encourage those who are eligible, to apply for the financial assistance, to get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”

Quotes attributable to Sport Minister Michael Healy:

“The Miles Government is committed to getting our sport and active recreation organisations back on their feet and operating as they were before being impacted by the summer weather events.

“Sport and active recreation play a vital role in Queenslander’s lives, so it’s important that our clubs and sporting organisations are up and running for the communities they serve.

“This funding will ensure a speedier recovery and get Queenslanders in impacted areas back into sport and being active.”

Further information: 

This assistance is part of the Albanese and Miles Government’s joint investment of more than $156 million for Far North Queensland and more than $73 million for South Queensland in exceptional disaster assistance packages through the DRFA.

The $14.8 million assistance package comprises the $12 million Sport and Recreation Recovery Grant and $2.8 million towards rebuilding and repairing elements of the Wangetti Trail damaged by TC Jasper, project delivery and administration costs.

ENDS