The Queensland Government has announced a further $45 million funding package for grassroots sport and active recreation clubs impacted by flooding over the past six months.

The funding is part of a wider $720 million joint Commonwealth and Queensland Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) Phase 3 floods recovery package for Queensland.

Flood-affected sporting clubs seeking further emergency funding as part of the new package have until 8 July 2022 to put forward an expression of interest for funding.

Discussing the additional funding, Queensland Sport Minister, Stirling Hinchcliffe, said: “Sport and active recreation are pivotal to the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders.”

“We’re encouraging club volunteers and local councils, as facility owners or managers, who need to help with the recovery of their sport facilities to jump online for this latest round of emergency funding.

“There were 37 Queensland local government areas affected by the recent extreme weather events.

“Multiple avenues of recovery funding remain open including the Level 1 Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program grants ($5000), QRIDA grants – the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority ($50,000) and the jointly funded DRFA Sport and Recreation Recovery grants (up to $20,000).”

“So far 329 sporting organisations have been approved over $1.42 million in funding through the Level 1 Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program, including all current disaster activations across Queensland,” Hinchcliffe said.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt, said the program will aim to rebuild and strengthen communities in Queensland who were affected by the environmental event.

“These additional funds come at a welcome time for many Queensland sporting clubs and local councils who are still trying to make repairs after a year of constant rain and flooding,” Watt said.

“The funds can be used for repairing or restoring facilities where insurance doesn’t cover the cost, or making improvements that make the club more resilient against future flooding.

“Some of the facilities in urgent need of repair include playing fields, lights, amenities and clubhouses.

“Sports and recreational clubs are a vital part of our communities.

“They provide people a place to meet, check in with one another and stay active.

“That’s why it’s so important to get them back up and running as soon as possible,” he said.