Sport and recreation clubs impacted by recent flooding in Queensland can now apply for disaster relief grants of up to $5,000 to aid in clean-up efforts and minor repairs.
The Queensland government has encouraged not-for-profit sporting organisations in affected areas to take advantage of the financial support, which aims to help clubs re-establish their facilities and resume activities as soon as possible. Minister for Sport Tim Mander confirmed that seven clubs have already submitted applications for the emergency funding.
“We know there are many, many more sporting clubs in the disaster-activated areas that could use this support,” Mander said. “These are the times when it is important for communities to come together – and our sporting clubs are the backbone of our communities.”
According to a news release, sport and recreation officers are currently assessing the damage in North and Far North Queensland, working alongside local governments and clubs to provide necessary assistance.
Townsville MP Adam Baillie encouraged local clubs to apply, emphasising the critical role sport plays in bringing communities together following natural disasters. “We have so much work to do to bring our communities back together,” he said. “We know how vital our sport and recreation clubs are in restoring connections and a sense of belonging after these recent challenges.”
Townsville Golf Club general manager Mitch Bligh welcomed the funding, describing it as a crucial boost to recovery efforts. “The club is very thankful for the funding that has been made available by the Queensland government,” Bligh said. “There is a lot of work to do here to get the golf course back to its playable condition, and this support is most welcome.”
The news release said that the Queensland government is also collaborating with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to establish additional funding under the state-federal government’s Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
In addition to financial assistance, the government noted that disaster recovery resources are available through ClubIQ.
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