Football club weathers storm after funding boost

Kelly Daniels | 17th July 2009

Waterford Rugby League Football Club secretary Mick Sparey and Member for Waterford, Evan Moorhead.

DURING the heavy downpour which hit south-east Queensland in May, the Waterford Rugby League Football Club at Meadowbrook was hit hard.

Electrical components of their field lighting was wrecked by the rain, and the club was left without lighting.

But with a $20,000 grant provided to them under the Sport and Recreation Disaster Assistance Program last week, the club will be able to repair the damage and ensure play continues.

State Member for Waterford, Evan Moorhead, said the funding was made available to assist with the restoration and repair of infrastructure and equipment damaged as a result of the storms.

“After the storms battered the south east in May, the Queensland Government quarantined funding of up to $1 million to support affected clubs and organisations in south-east Queensland under this program,” he said.

“Grants of up to $5000 were issued for replacement of operational items, while grants up to $20,000 were made available to assist with capital works projects to repair sport and recreation infrastructure.

“This funding will be a welcome boost for the Waterford Rugby League Club.”

Minister for Sport, Phil Reeves, said it was important the government helped get sport and recreation equipment and facilities operating as quickly as possible following natural disasters, so people could get back out playing sport and getting active.

“Sport is an integral part in the lives of many Queenslanders and continuing to be able to participate in sport and recreation activities is a welcome distraction for those who have suffered so much as a result of natural disasters,” he said.

“This vital funding will assist clubs to offset costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged assets.

“Clubs have until this Friday, July 17, 2009 to apply for assistance under the program, with approved funds being provided up front so restoration work can begin as soon as possible.”

Waterford Rugby League Football Club secretary, Mick Sparey, said the funding was a god-send for the club.

“It's a life-saver,” he said.

“We had no lights, and we had 350 kids with nowhere to train them.”