BLIGH GOVERNMENT PROVIDES $3M TO WATERWISE COMMUNITY GROUPS

More than 200 Queensland sporting clubs, churches and community groups will share in more than $3 million in the second round of the Bligh Government’s Lifestyle WaterWise Grants program.

Water Minister Craig Wallace said the program was designed to assist not-for-profit organisations to maintain gardens, parks and sporting fields during the state’s worst drought on record.

“I congratulate the dedicated schools, sporting groups and other not-for-profit organisations for helping to keep our parks and playgrounds alive during the relentless drought,” Mr Wallace said.

“The Government recognises the great public service that these clubs are providing their local communities and we will continue to support them.”

Successful applicants under Round Two of the Lifestyle WaterWise grants program include:

·Jimboomba Community Kindergarten north of Beaudesert will receive $7,848 to install water efficient taps, showers, toilet suites and urinals,

·Palm Beach Currumbin Cricket Club Inc on the Gold Coast will receive $30,030 to install rainwater tanks,

·Kingaroy State High School Parents and Citizens Association will receive $27,204 to install rainwater tanks,

·Saint Anthony’s Catholic College in Deeragun, north-west of Townsville, will receive $18,630 to install a water efficient irrigation system, taps, bubblers and toilets, and

·Biloela Netball Association will receive $33,000 to replace grass on playing surfaces.

The Lifestyle WaterWise program is a two-year, $10 million election commitment to help Queensland’s sporting clubs, churches and community groups to save water.

In the first round of the program in June this year, 392 organisations were successful in receiving funding. This second round of grants will help a further 202 community groups across the state.

Mr Wallace said the Lifestyle WaterWise Grants program offered community groups grants of up to $30,000 to implement waterwise measures.

“This can include improving water systems, replacing existing water amenities such as toilet cisterns, providing alternative water sources such as water tanks, and installing swimming pool covers and rollers,” Mr Wallace said.

Mr Wallace said the quality of applications received for the second round of funding was very high.

“Unfortunately, not all applications could be successful so priority was given to projects in drought-affected areas.”

A full list of the successful recipients will be available in the next few days at www.nrw.qld.gov.au

Media inquiries: Caroline Kaurila, Craig Wallace’s office, on (07) 3896 3694.