Spence: flood grants to help sports clubs

Sport Minister Judy Spence today announced a $1.5 million program to help sport and recreation clubs that have suffered loss or damage as a direct result of the floods.

Ms Spence said: “From next Monday (March 3) clubs located in flood declared areas, including Mackay, Rockhampton and Emerald, may be eligible to apply for assistance grants of up to

$5 000.

“Those clubs most in need will be able to apply to replace sporting equipment, small capital items and to undertake minor repairs.

“We recognise just how important these clubs are in rural and regional towns. Therefore the Government wants to assist clubs to quickly re-establish their activities.

“The Department of Sport and Recreation has recently received damage reports and we know that many clubs have been affected.

“For instance in Emerald the Junior Soccer Association club house flooded. Among other things the freezer and line marking machine were damaged.

“Bitumen courts used by the local Netball Association are cracked and subsiding.

“There has been extensive soil erosion to the fairways and greens of the Golf Club.

“And the Emerald Junior Rugby League has damage to balls, timers, hooters and first aid gear.

“The Rockhampton Touch Association has described its damage as horrific with grass destroyed and large amounts of mud dumped on their fields.

“And track repairs are required at the Rockhampton and District Motocross Club.

“There are many clubs with a lot of work to do now to get ready for their players and members.

“These grants will help kick start some of the necessary repairs and help replace some equipment,” Ms Spence said.

Officers from the Department of Sport and Recreation will be on the ground to assist clubs with their applications.

The funding guidelines will soon be put on the website at www.sportrec.qld.gov.au and potential applicants can contact the Department of Sport and Recreation on telephone 1300 656 151.

Media contact: 3239 6218