The City of Mount Gambier Sport and Recreation Capital Works Program is now open for applications. The program is open to sport and recreation groups and organisations within Mount Gambier and aims to encourage and assist in the development and capital renewal of sport and recreation infrastructure within the City.
$100,000 has been allocated to the program from Council’s 2020/2021 budget with applications invited for capital improvement projects with a minimum total cost of $10,000.
The COVID-19 Community Development Fund recently provided an investment into local community infrastructure to the value of approximately $270,000, and given it was oversubscribed Council is pleased to be able to extend a similar offering as part of this annual program.
– General Manager Community Wellbeing Barbara Cernovskis
The types of projects that will be considered under the funding program include capital renewal of existing infrastructure, capital upgrades, new capital assets or projects that are aimed at increasing the community usage of specific sport or recreation facilities.
“Since the program’s inception in 2010, Council has been able to provide approximately $900,000 in grants to assist with new developments, additions or renovations to sport and recreation facilities in the City,” Ms Cernovskis said.
East Gambier Cricket Club was able to complete a building addition at its Scott Park base at the McDonald Park Sports precinct with the assistance of grant from the 2019/2020 round of the Sport and Recreation Capital Works Program.
East Gambier Cricket Club President Michael Little explained that a pergola structure has now been built over the front of a existing canteen building.
“This not only benefits cricket players and spectators during the summer months but also junior football patrons when the ground is used during the winter months,” Mr Little said.
“Without the funding support from the Sport and Recreation Capital Works Program, the East Gambier Cricket Club would not have been able to improve its facilities, which in turn provides the ability to attract events to Mount Gambier of a regional and state level.”
Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate a high level of self-help as evidenced by matching funds or significant in-kind contributions by the organisation, and the use of local suppliers and contractors.
“The applicant’s contributions for this purpose may include cash from the organisation’s own resources, grants or funds from sponsors or other sources, or in-kind support in the form of labour or service,” Ms Cernovskis said.
