Sporting fields and facilities throughout Ipswich are being inspected and assessed by a team of engineers, electricians, parks officers and asset managers after the recent rain and flood left many of them damaged.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said council is onsite inspecting the grounds, lights, clubhouse and change room facilities.
“We understand the community is keen to get back on-field to play,” Mayor Harding said.
“There are about 100 of these facilities including fields, courts, tracks and clubhouses used by clubs and groups across Ipswich.”
Blue Gum Reserve, home of the Karalee Tornadoes Rugby League Club,
during the height of the recent flood.
“We ask for your patience while council officers inspect, make safe, assess the damage, commence the clean-up, order parts and commence repairs on sporting fields and facilities,” Mayor Harding said.
“As this work takes place, some fields will be returned to use over coming weeks as council is able to mow and line mark those fields that are assessed as being safe to reopen.
“Other sporting fields and clubhouses will remain closed for some time as the recovery and repair works to lights and buildings will be significant.
“If the sporting ground’s facilities has been inundated by floodwater, council will need to undertake a full condition assessment of damaged assets and schedule a program of works for repairs which must follow a governance approval process that includes provisions to seek external funding for repairs.
“This will take time to complete a thorough assessment, but council is working diligently to get this completed to get sporting fields and facilities back to being fully operational.
“Council is liaising with Ipswich’s sporting clubs to find solutions around alternate training and game-day facilities so seasons can continue.”
Part of a sports club or organisation?
The Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program supports not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations with funding to re-establish facilities and activities after extreme natural events.
Funding of up to $20,000 may be available for eligible sport and active recreation organisations located in areas declared under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/disaster-recovery
The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority has also released funding support for eligible not-for-profit clubs and organisations from $5,000 up to $50,000.
For more information follow this link.
For information on Personal Hardship Assistance and Essential Services Hardship Assistance, contact the Community Recovery Hotline 1800 173 349 or visit www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies
Other grants such the Essential Household Contents Grant, Structural Assistance Grant and Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant, which are income tested, are also available to eligible residents who are uninsured and have experienced certain loss or damage following this disaster.
Community Recovery online portal at www.communityrecovery.qld.gov.au
The Ipswich Flood Recovery information webpage can be accessed at Ipswich.qld.gov.au/floodrecovery
A range of support and information is also available for Ipswich businesses impacted by recent rainfall and floods.
Visit Business Ipswich for information to help you get back on your feet.
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Council has partnered with GIVIT to manage all offers of donated goods and services, including corporate offers of assistance, after disasters. To see what is needed or to donate, please visit GIVIT.org.au and look for the Storms and Flooding Appeal.
Members of the public can donate through www.givit.org.au/storms-and-flooding with 100 per cent of donated funds received by GIVIT going to affected communities.
