More than $380,000 to over 35 Redlands Coast sporting clubs will restart activities with renewed vigour after being approved up to $20,000 each to spend on minor upgrades, equipment and repairs.
Member for Redlands, Kim Richards, said the $15.5 million Active Restart Infrastructure Recovery Fund would provide a mini-stimulus for Redlands clubs to return to play.
Redlands had over 35 clubs share in over $380K.
Redlands Rays were one of the recipients, Don and Kim met with James Williams and Eric from the Club yesterday.
“Labor is delivering it’s plan for economic recovery across Queensland and as part of that we’re supporting community clubs to fire the starting gun on reopening,” she said.
“We know that COVID has impacted fundraising capacity, so we’re stepping in to support clubs in their time of need.
Member for Capalaba, Don Brown said Redlands Rays Baseball Club had been awarded more than $18,000 to purchase a new mower so that Club could get back in the game and keep their fields maintained.
“Here in the Redlands we know that COVID-19 has meant some clubs are doing it tough.
“We’ve got some of the finest grassroots sporting clubs in Queensland across a variety of codes and activities that with our support can continue to flourish.
Member for Redlands Kim Richards said this funding support would be flowing to clubs like Redland Bay Tennis Club right away to deliver exciting projects like their courts resurfacing.
“This isn’t an election commitment, it’s part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $51.3 million return to play stimulus package to be invested to support COVID-19 recovery efforts in the sport, recreation and fitness industries.
Approved projects include the purchase of equipment to deliver activities or events, assist in facility maintenance, or to assist with reducing operational costs.
“We have already delivered $7.6 million worth of $2,000 grants to 3,811 clubs across Queensland as part of the COVID SAFE Active Clubs Kickstart program to invest in hygiene or catering supplies, equipment, maintenance, training courses or to pay utilities bills.
“And now more than 35 clubs in our community received this funding and the extra support,” she said.
Whether it’s marquees for a fundraising event, white goods for the canteen, or a fresh coat of paint for the clubhouse, organisations are being provided funding to improve their facilities and purchase relevant equipment to encourage Queenslanders to return to play.
Member for Capalaba, Don Brown said the return to play is possible because Queenslanders have done such an outstanding job of listening to the health advice and keeping each other safe during COVID-19.