The Saxby Roundup Association will have vital repairs made to flood-damaged infrastructure at its grounds north of Julia Creek.
Assistance is being jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) through the $20 million Community and Recreational Assets program.
“Sporting clubs are the heart and soul of strong communities, so they need to have their key infrastructure working effectively,” Minister Littleproud said.
“All levels of government have made it a priority to work closely together to ensure that regional sport and recreation facilities can open their doors to the community.
We will continue to be there for local clubs as they get back on their feet following natural disasters, so they can benefit towns and cities for years to come.”
A total of 45 not-for-profit sport and recreation facilities will receive repair works through DRFA, with communities to benefit including Townsville, Richmond, McKinlay, Flinders, Cloncurry, Hinchinbrook and Cassowary Coast.
Queensland Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said maintaining community spirit and solidarity was critical during recovery, and sport was a proven outlet to help with that.
“Places like Saxby Roundup bring Queensland communities together, which is so important during difficult times like these,” Mr de Brenni said.
“As we continue to deliver the economic recovery plan for Queensland, post-COVID we will need our sporting venues back up and running for employment, for friendships, and for health and wellbeing.”
“Getting the repairs underway sends a strong message to outback communities that we are with them, through the tough times.”
Saxby Roundup Association President Colin Blacklock said works to be carried out include the replacement of damaged underground power, ablution blocks, concrete slabs, shelter, and equipment.
“These repairs are essential to ensure the well-known Saxby Roundup weekend continues well into the future,” said Mr Blacklock.
“The committee made a huge effort after the 2019 floods to get things back up and running in a very makeshift manner which allowed the event to proceed that year.
It was important to do that so the community could take a breather from the clean-up, and so we could provide some support for local small businesses.
Now it’s time to restore the grounds to their original, permanent state and this funding will ensure we can do just that, so the Saxby Roundup can remain a feature on the Queensland calendar, and we can continue raising money for local charities.”
