Sport funding applications to open in mid 2008

Acting Minister for Sport Robert Schwarten today said applications for the next round of funding available to councils for sports programs and infrastructure will open in mid 2008.

“I understand Mareeba Shire Council has been keen to find out when the next round of the Queensland Government’s Local Sport and Recreation Program will kick off because the Council wants to apply for funding for a skate park at Mareeba.

“The timing has been influenced by the upcoming Council elections on March 15 because these grants are generally conditional on a contribution from the applying Council.

“Opening applications up again in mid 2008 will allow time for newly elected councils to become established and consider their budget priorities.

“It is not true, as suggested by Mareeba Shire Mayor Mick Borzi, that the Department of Sport and Recreation is experiencing budget problems.

“In fact the pool of money available for the next round is again expected to top $5 million.

“Successful applicants under the last round were announced in March 2007 and over $5 million in funding is currently rolling out throughout Queensland with projects due to be completed by 30 June 2008.

“Since 1998, the Mareeba community has benefited from more than $2 million for projects ranging from athlete travel assistance to major facility development, with the Council being a direct recipient of just under half of this amount.

“The Government will consider any submissions from the new Tablelands Regional Council and they will be assessed accordingly,” Mr Schwarten said.

Media inquiries: 32396218