THE Wynnum Manly District Cricket Club will receive more than $320,000 in disaster recovery funding to help restore playing fields and replace equipment damaged by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The funding is part of a new round of Sport and Recreation Recovery Grants jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
A total of 27 additional sporting clubs across Queensland will share more than $4 million in funding, with Wynnum Manly among the recipients announced.
The club will use the grant to assist with the restoration of cricket fields and replacement of cricket equipment impacted by the severe weather event, which caused widespread damage across South East Queensland last year.
In total, 51 sports infrastructure projects are now being supported across 18 South East Queensland local government areas affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the funding would help communities recover faster and ensure local sporting clubs could continue serving their communities.
“Community sporting clubs are the heart of towns and suburbs right across South East Queensland, and we’re making sure they have the support they need to recover and thrive,” Ms McBain said.
“This funding is helping clubs get back on their feet faster, whether that’s repairing facilities, replacing equipment or creating safe, welcoming spaces for people to come together after a disaster.
“We know how important local clubs are in bringing people together, especially after tough events like Cyclone Alfred.”
Acting Minister for Sport and Racing and Acting Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Andrew Powell said the grants would support clubs across a wide area of Queensland still recovering from the cyclone.
“The impacts from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred were felt far and wide, with many sporting clubs forced to close or reduce operations while they got back on their feet,” Mr Powell said.
“Community sport is an essential part of life for many Queenslanders, which is why our support through the Sport and Recreation Recovery Grants is so important.
“This funding helps to replace damaged playing surfaces, fencing, concrete paths and vital sporting equipment.
“We want to help clubs and councils bounce back stronger after severe weather events, so they can keep supporting active, healthy and connected Queensland communities.”
The announcement was welcomed locally, with the funding expected to help ensure the Wynnum Manly District Cricket Club can continue providing sporting opportunities for players and families across the Bayside region as recovery efforts continue.
