Queensland Government offers disaster relief payments to community sporting clubs

The Queensland Government is encouraging not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations impacted by the recent flooding events to apply for immediate relief of up to $5,000 to help them to re-open their doors.

The grants will help with clean-up and small repairs to quickly re-establish facilities and activities as soon as possible.

Noting that seven sport and recreation clubs had already applied for the emergency funding, Queensland Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tim Mander advised "we know there are many, many more sporting clubs in the disaster-activated areas that could use this support.

“These are the times when it is important for communities to come together - and our sporting clubs are the backbone of our communities.

“We want people to know that if their sport and recreation clubs need minor repairs or help with the clean-up, they are not alone, there is funding available.

“With winter sport sign-on just around the corner, clubs will be wanting to reopen and get their activities back to normal as soon as possible and we are here to help.

“Importantly, if your clubhouse has flooded, before entering ensure its structurally sound, check electrical and water connections, be mindful of mould and other contaminants, and be sure to take plenty of photographs to help with insurance claims or future funding applications.”

Townsville Golf Club General Manager Mitch Bligh said the funding would make a big difference to recovery efforts, adding "the club is very thankful for the funding that has been made available by the Queensland Government.

“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.”

Work is underway with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to establish a fund under the joint State-Federal Government’s Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to support the repair, restoration, and betterment of the more significantly damaged facilities.

Officials from Queensland Sport and Recreation are on the ground across the North and Far North and will work with local governments and clubs to provide support and assess damage.

Click here to find out more about disaster recovery resources targeted to sport and recreation organisations, including practical tips for clean-up and member and stakeholder communications at ClubIQ.

To apply for the $5000 Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery grant go to www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/disaster-recovery