Mond

Sunday, 12 November 2006

SYKES – DROUGHT RELIEF FOR COUNTRY SPORTS CLUBS

Nationals MP Bill Sykes would like to alert all community sporting clubs and swimming pools of the Drought Relief for Country Sports Program 2007 currently being available from the Department of Victorian Communities.

Only local councils in towns with stage 3 and stage 4 water restrictions can apply for funding.

Dr Sykes encourages local sporting groups to make contact with their local councils Recreation Development Officers to see if their project may be eligible for funding through the council.

Dr Sykes said there are two categories of funding covering swimming pools and sports grounds. The Victorian Government funding towards the total project costs (excluding GST) will be based on $2 for every $1 contributed by eligible councils and their local communities. Applications need to be made in partnership with your local council with each council being able to submit up to 4 applications.

• Up to $30,000 will be granted for swimming pool projects

• Up to $25,000 will be granted for sports ground projects

Preference will be given to projects which:

• Are supported by municipal sustainable water use plan.

• Demonstrate benefits to the facility, its users and the broader community, or demonstrate benefits to a number of venues or sports.

Examples of immediate projects may include:

• Carting water from alternative water source to open a swimming pool which may otherwise be closed and providing recycled water for sports fields.

Examples of sustainable projects may include:

• Upgrades to swimming pools which will reduce water needed;

• Repairing pool leaks & cracks;

• Purchasing pool blankets to reduce evaporation;

• Replacing turf surfaces with hard or synthetic surfaces;

• Water run-off harvesting and storage initiatives; and

• Developing fields with drought resistant turf species.

Applications for projects identified by councils as an immediate need and received by 1 December 2006 will be considered during the first assessment phase. All other applications must be received by 21 February 2007 and will be considered during the second assessment phase. The project must be completed between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2007.

For further information call the Department of Victorian Communities Officer, Grants information line 1300 366 356 or locate the DVC web site on www.grants.dvc.vic.gov.au

Or contact Peta Clark at Bill Sykes office ph 5762 2100.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989