STILL TIME FOR CLUBS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS TO GET WATERWISE

Premier Anna Bligh was a New Farm Park today to remind sporting clubs and community groups there was still time to apply for a share in $3 million of Queensland Government grants to help them through the drought.

Ms Bligh said the second round of the Lifestyle WaterWise program would close on October 5 and encouraged eligible clubs to apply.

“The drought has hit Queensland hard and this is the Government’s way of ensuring it has as little impact on community groups and sporting clubs as possible,” Ms Bligh said.

“The program offers sporting clubs, churches and community childcare, kindergartens and pre-schools grants of up to $30,000 to implement waterwise measures to maintain gardens, parks and sporting fields.

“The second round of grant applications will close in two weeks, after delivering $6.2 million of support to almost 400 Queensland clubs and community groups in round one.

“For example, here in the Brisbane Central electorate 15 organisations received grants for their waterwise measures, at a total value of $236,439.

“Wilston State School P&C received $30,000 for the installation of waterwise irrigation, a rain water tank and pool cover.

“The Leukaemia Foundation received $25,172 for the installation of rain water tanks, and the Commercial Hockey Club $8,685 for water efficient taps and toilets.

“Every waterwise measure that Queensland clubs and community organisations put in place go further to preserving our precious water supply, and the Government is proud to support their efforts.

“I encourage all eligible organisations to get their applications in by October 5 to get as many community groups water-wise as we can, and keep Queensland kids on sporting fields.

Ms Bligh said eligible measures included improving watering systems, replacing existing water amenities like toilet cisterns, providing alternative water sources such as water tanks, and installing swimming pool covers and rollers.

Lifestyle WaterWise application forms are available from www.nrw.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 243 585.

Media Inquiries: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office)