Disaster funding now available for Queensland sport and recreation clubs impacted by cyclone

Queensland sport and active recreation clubs impacted by heavy rain and flooding caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth can now apply for emergency funding.

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth battered the Queensland coast from 7th-10th January and clubs and organisations in the local government areas of Bundaberg, Cherbourg, Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett and South Burnett are now eligible for up to $5000 through the Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program.

Queensland Acting Sport Minister Scott Stewart advised “Level 1 funding of up to $5000 is available now to replace damaged equipment including office and canteen facilities, to cover clean-up costs, for repairs and insurance excess.

“Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth dumped huge amounts of rainfall along the Wide Bay and Fraser Coast regions, affecting inland centres as well, causing damage to buildings and equipment.

“This disaster funding is designed to get quickly into the hands of those volunteer sport and recreation clubs who could use a hand in getting their facilities cleaned up and back in working order so they can continue serving their local communities.”

Cooloola BMX Club President Richard Plukaard said the funding will be vital for repairing their flood damaged track.

“The racetrack was completely covered with water which leaves horrendous holes and imperfections and blisters in the track to be fixed,” said Mr Plukaard.

“We have to re-glue and re-shape 60% of the 300-metre track, and a 1000 litre pot of glue costs $3500 so it’s quite expensive.

“The funding will be such a blessing, and with the help of all our volunteers, we will hopefully be back on track for the start of our normal racing season on 28th January.”

Not-for-profit sport and active recreation organisations in a number of other local government areas affected by heavy rainfall and flooding are also currently eligible for Level 1 funding, which is available up to three months after the funding is activated.

They include Balonne, Banana, Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall-Tambo, Boulia, Central Highlands, Diamantina, Flinders, Goondiwindi, Lockyer Valley, Longreach, Maranoa, Murweh, Scenic Rim, Southern Downs, Toowoomba and Western Downs.

For more information or to apply for funding, visit qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/disaster-recovery

Image: Cooloola BMX. Credit Ben Korn