Sailability

From the Scuttlebutt Dept.

Bike banter

Some of our volunteers transport themselves to Sailability on a Tuesday by energetically cycling all the way from home (and back in the afternoon).

There is a substantial bike rack at the Hollywell site where the volunteers leave their steeds. Very recently the very large green SYC tractor had the misfortune of running into one of these fine bicycles in the rack, effectively destroying the rear wheel. This wheel had been around for a while and was made of steel. It seems that these wheels aren’t readily available anymore and as the bicycle was required to complete the return journey in the afternoon, a replacement wheel of modern materials was purchased and fitted.

The proud owner of the bicycle is now considering increasing the insurance cover on his personal effects!

$276,000 IN BLIGH GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR GOLD COAST SPORT

The Bligh Government is kicking goals for AFL players and sailing enthusiasts on the Gold Coast thanks to $276,000 in funding as part of the Sport and Recreation Infrastructure program.

Parliamentary Secretary assisting the Premier on the Gold Coast and State Member for Broadwater Peta-Kaye Croft and Sport Minister Phil Reeves will today present cheques to Sailability Gold Coast and the Labrador Australian Football Club.

Ms Croft said Sailability Gold Coast will receive $241,650 to upgrade amenities including eight toilets and three disabled toilets to support sailing at Hollywell.

"The Labrador Australian Football Club will receive $35,115 to extend and develop change room facilities to support Australian football at Labrador," Ms Croft said.

"This will provide a major boost to the community and will provide a great resource for the development of future champions.

"As a government, we want to make sure our local sport and recreation clubs have the best facilities so they can continue to provide that vital community service.

"We know that clubs are the lifeblood of communities, and by funding new facilities, upgrades and developments, the Bligh Government is helping to secure the future of grassroots sport.

"This infrastructure funding is a win-win situation as it will create jobs and provide locals with the infrastructure they need to get up, get out and get active.

"This community loves its sport, and we want to encourage them to get involved in sport and recreation by providing new and improved facilities.

"Ultimately, this will help local organisations develop and thrive, and will help increase their membership numbers."

Mr Reeves said the latest Bligh Government funding for sport and recreation compliments other funding initiatives including the Positive or it's Pointless campaign, the

Sport and Recreation Local Jobs Plan, and the Sport and Recreation Active Inclusion program.

"The Bligh Government understands the important role sport plays, which is why we invest more in sport and recreation than any other state," Mr Reeves said.

"Developing sport at the grassroots right up to the elite level heightens our chances of hosting events, and reinforces our reputation as the Champions State and the Events State as well.

"This is underpinned by our Toward Q2: Tomorrow's Queensland initiative to help Queenslanders become the healthiest people in Australia."

For more information about sport and recreation funding, call 1300 656 191 or visit http://www.communities.qld.gov.au/sportrec/funding