Sport and recreation clubs in areas affected by Tropical Cyclone Debbie and its aftermath will have access to immediate assistance and priority assessment for upcoming sports infrastructure funds.

Inspecting damage at the MAD Mountain Bike Club in Mackay, Sports Minister Mick de Brenni announced the availability of $1 million is a special disaster recovery program to assist with immediate needs.

Under the disaster recovery program clubs can apply for grants of up to $5,000 to assist with urgent needs such as replacing equipment or making repairs to clubhouses or grounds.

“This will assist sports clubs with repairing or reconnecting damaged electrical equipment, repairing plumbing, and cleaning facilities to bring them up to scratch for immediate use,” Mr de Brenni said.

“In addition, today I have directed Queensland’s Sport and Recreation Services to amend the guidelines and expedite the assessment process for Queensland’s upcoming sports infrastructure funding round.

“I will be remaking the official guidelines for this $11 million program so as to prioritise funding towards clubs and organisations in areas affected by Cyclone Debbie and its aftermath.

“The updated guidelines will shortly be published on the department’s website.

“Under our sports infrastructure grants program grants of up to $100,000 are available for clubs to upgrade, replace or build new infrastructure.

“We’ve seen the damage that has been done by Cyclone Debbie and the floods across so much of the state, and a lot of sports clubs have felt the full force of its fury.

“Sports clubs across Queensland are run by volunteers, and volunteers in disaster areas already have enough on their hands with their own homes and businesses.

“Local clubs are dear to the heart of our communities, especially in regional areas, and we want to make sure that we give as much support as possible to help the community move on from these events.

“I encourage every club in the disaster affected areas, no matter how big or small, to get in touch with Sport and Recreation Services.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said local clubs across Mackay and the Whitsundays have seen significant damage.

“The MAD Mountain Bike Club here in Mackay has been gearing up to host the State Championships in October this year,” Ms Gilbert said.

“This funding will help clubs like this get back up and running so that we can continue to run top level events here in North Queensland.”

Application forms are available from local Sport and Recreation Services Offices or online at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au.
For further information or assistance, phone 1300 656 191.

Source:

Office of the Hon. Mick de Brenni MP
Minister for Housing and Public Works