New home for Bundaberg Netball

The Bundaberg Netball Association will move to a new location on higher ground after almost being wiped out in January’s devastating flood event.

Sport Minister Steve Dickson said the Newman Government would provide $1.6 million in funding to aid the club’s relocation, helping it find a new place to call home.

“The Newman Government is doing everything in its power to rebuild Bundaberg following the terrible flooding which damaged so much of the city earlier this year,” Mr Dickson said.

“Since the clean-up began, my department has been working closely with sport and recreation clubs throughout the region, providing advice, lending a hand wherever possible and providing more than $779,974 in sporting disaster recovery funding.

“After discussions with the Bundaberg Netball association and Bundaberg Regional Council, it was decided that damage caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald earlier this year as well as flooding in 2010 and 2011 meant that a decision to relocate the club would protect it in the long-term.”

Member for Bundaberg Jack Dempsey said the $1.6 million in funding was a lifeline for the Bundaberg Netball Association.

“Sport and recreation clubs are an important part of the fabric of our local community and it’s wonderful to be able to assist the club by moving their courts to higher ground,” Mr Dempsey said said.

“This financial support is an investment in continuing to build the future of the sport in Bundaberg, and I’ll continue to work with Bundaberg Netball and the council to find suitable land in coming months.

“This will ensure Bundaberg locals have somewhere to go to enjoy sports for future generations to come.”

Bundaberg’s own Queensland Firebird, Ameliaranne Wells said she was pleased to see grassroots sport being supported in her home town.

“It’s great to hear Bundaberg netball will move to a more suitable home, and it might mean the next Queensland Firebird champion will come from one of our local clubs,” Ms Wells said.

Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor Cr Mal Forman welcomed the funding and said relocating to a new facility signified a fresh start for the Bundaberg Netball Association and the community as a whole.

“In recent months, Bundaberg Regional Council has been working hard with local community groups and sporting clubs to get the region back on track after a horrendous start to the year,” Cr Forman said.

“This new home will be the start of a new chapter for the hundreds of local netball players in the region.”

[ENDS] 25 June 2013

Media Contact: Anna Hilton 0408 191 192