The latest funding through the Victorian Government’s Drought Relief for Community Sport Program will see Geelong Cricket Club and Kardinia Park better equipped to battle the ongoing drought. The Club will receive $12,600 and $40k will go to Kardinia Park to assist in installing a system to harvest storm water from the roof of Skilled Stadium.
FROM THE MINISTER FOR SPORT AND RECREATION
DATE: Thursday, January 24, 2008
DROUGHT RELIEF FOR COMMUNITY SPORT IN GEELONG
Geelong Cricket Club and Kardinia Park will be better equipped to battle the ongoing drought after the Minister for Sport and Recreation, James Merlino, today announced funding through the Brumby Government’s Drought Relief for Community Sport Program.
Mr Merlino said Geelong Cricket Club would receive $12,600, with $40,000 to go to Kardinia Park as part of the first round of the 2008 grants program.
“Local sports grounds and recreation facilities are vital to the social fabric, strength and wellbeing of all communities across the state,” Mr Merlino said.
“Managing the effects of the drought is a challenge for all Victorians. That’s why the Brumby Government has been working in partnership with local councils and their communities to keep grassroots sport alive and meet the challenges of the drought.”
Mr Merlino said the Geelong Cricket Club grant would go towards installing a system to harvest storm water from the roof of Skilled Stadium to water the club’s turf practice wicket facility.
Funding for Kardinia Park will go towards converting an existing cool season grass oval to drought tolerant grass – the project is estimated to result in a 30 per cent water saving.
“Both of these projects will help ensure local residents and club users will have more opportunities to play sport despite the harsh conditions brought on by the drought,” he said.
Mr Merlino said the first round of the Brumby Government’s Drought Relief for Community Sport and Recreation Program 2008 would fund more than 70 projects across 42 local government areas.
“These worthy projects will use a range of innovative solutions to combat Victoria’s dry conditions,” he said.
“Many involve measures to save drinking water by capturing rainwater and using treated or recycled water to keep playing surfaces alive.”
The program builds on last year’s successful round of grants, which saw communities across Victoria receive a total of $6.7 million to help protect community sporting facilities.
Mr Merlino said the $12.9 million Drought Relief for Community Sport and Recreation Program grants program is available to all councils on Stage 3 or higher water restrictions. Applications for second round funding close on 25 February, 2008.
“By helping communities invest in water-efficient assets for local sports facilities, we are making a difference now and into the future,” he said.
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