Media Release: GOVERNMENT BACKS COUNTRY FOOTBALL IN SOUTH EAST

FROM THE MINISTER FOR STATE & REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

DATE: Friday, July 23, 2004

GOVERNMENT BACKS COUNTRY FOOTBALL IN SOUTH EAST

Six football leagues in Victoria’s South East will benefit from the latest round of funding under the $1 million Country Football Grounds Assistance Program, the Minister for State and Regional Development, John Brumby, announced today.

Mr Brumby said $44,762 in Bracks Government funding would help small communities take immediate action to protect eight playing fields from the impact of extreme dry conditions.

He said the package of grants would further assist clubs and councils install storage tanks, construct pumping and watering systems and conduct turf restoration.

“Extreme dry conditions continue to take a heavy toll in small communities across the State, with many playing grounds declared unfit for play and training sessions and local matches are still being deferred, transferred or cancelled,” Mr Brumby said.

“The Bracks Government set aside $1 million over two years to enable communities to meet the pressing needs of the 2004 season – and ensure country football continues and thrives. To date, we have provided $448,606 under the Country Football Grounds Assistance Program to 26 shires to protect over 118 playing fields across the State – benefiting 42 football leagues.”

Mr Brumby again commended councils and district football leagues for working in partnership with the Bracks Government to protect their clubs’ future viability.

“It is great to see communities taking steps to counter the immediate impact of the dry conditions and develop long-term sustainable approaches to water and turf management,” he said.

The latest dollar-for-dollar grants to regional and interface councils are:
· $20,000 to Bass Coast Shire Council to help connect a recycled water supply to a new tank and pump and install a new sprinkler system at the Cowes Recreation Reserve (assisting the West Gippsland-Latrobe Football League);
· $11,280 to the City of Casey towards improving the reliability of water supplies and related work at seven football grounds (assisting the Mornington Peninsula and Nepean Football League, Dandenong and District Junior Football League; Mornington Peninsula and Nepean Girls Football League; and West Gippsland Football League);
· $10,000 to the East Gippsland Shire Council to help buy and install a water pumping and irrigation system for the ground and to assist with re-seeding and fertilising at the Buchan Recreation Reserve (assisting the Omeo District Football League); and
· $3482 to East Gippsland Shire Council to help buy and install a water pipe and travelling irrigation sprinkler at the Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve (assisting the Omeo District Football League).

Further information about the Country Football Grounds Assistance Program may be obtained from the Victorian Business Line on 13 22 15 (free call).