Residents in Winchelsea will benefit from a $40 000 Brumby Government grant to support sporting grounds and facilities affected by drought conditions.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said the grant was part of a $12.9 million Drought Relief for Community Sport and Recreation Program recently announced by the Premier John Brumby and the Minister for Sport and Recreation, James Merlino.
“This drought relief package provides funding to Councils to help keep sporting facilities and grounds fit for use, while implementing water saving projects to provide long term reductions in water usage,” Ms Tierney said.
Ms Tierney said the grants program built on last year’s successful round of grants, which saw communities across Victoria receive a total $6.7 million to help protect community sporting facilities.
“These projects are about supporting sport at the grassroots level, to encourage active participation in sport and the local community,” she said.
“Our sports grounds and recreation facilities are vital to the social fabric, strength and wellbeing of all communities.
“By helping our community to invest in water-efficient assets for our sports facilities, we are making a difference now and into the future.”
In Winchelsea the grant will fund:
• The Winchelsea Golf Club Water Storage Project which includes constructing a dam to hold water pumped from the Barwon River
• Install a pump and connect the dam to the existing reticulation system
The Minister for Sport and Recreation, James Merlino, said the first round of the Drought Relief for Community Sport and Recreation Program will fund more than 70 projects across 42 local government areas.
“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.”
The grants program is available to all Councils on Stage 3 or higher water restrictions. Applications for second round funding close on 25 February, 2008.
Details of the grants available under the program are available at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au.