Extra $500,000 helping community groups get back on their feet

Published 01 July 2020

Off the back of an unprecedented investment into infrastructure and grants to help community clubs through COVID-19, Moreton Bay Regional Council is injecting an additional $500,000 into programs this financial year.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the extra funding would mean more community groups receiving much-needed financial support.

“I’m pleased to announce we’re ramping-up our enormously popular Healthy and Active Moreton Program,” he said.

“We will expand this program by over 35 per cent to directly employ local fitness instructors and activity coordinators from our community clubs.

“This will help maintain jobs, allow locals to get active outdoors and enjoy our beautiful region.

“Already many of the more than 630 community groups and clubs who were eligible for $8.5 million in infrastructure and hardship grants have been supported. That’s fourteen times more grants in the past four months, than we would ordinarily issue in an entire year!

“The extra $500,000 allocated to our community grants program in the 2020/21 Budget brings that funding pool up to a total of $2 million.

“This money is available to all community groups, I especially clubs that need help getting back on their feet in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic to apply.

“We have a number of new grant funding rounds open from 1 July including the new Local Community Support Grants, which will provide funding of up to $3,000 for events, equipment, and other resources that could support your organisation.

“And better yet, applicants for this new grant will be assessed four times per year, with the outcome announced just 10 business days after closing date.

“That will increase opportunities for local sporting clubs, community groups and volunteer organisations to apply for essential funds throughout the year.

“We know how important it is for this money to hit the bank accounts of clubs quickly, especially during this time of economic uncertainty.”

To find out more about Council’s funding opportunities, visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/grants/