Christmas has come early for Mountain Biking Bundaberg with the third round of the Get Playing grants program wrapping up for the year.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the local club had shared in more than $11.4 million worth of funding, approved to almost 140 clubs statewide under the latest round of Get Playing.
Get Playing forms part of the Queensland Government’s $68 million Get in the Game initiative, and provides sport and recreation clubs with better facilities.
Mr Bennett said Mountain Biking Bundaberg secured $95,328 to construct new trails, a shade shelter and amenities at Cordalba State Forest.
“Currently the site doesn’t have any toilet facilities or a shade shelter. The club now has the funds to get these facilities which will in turn help to attract new members, particularly women and children,” he said.
“The Mountain Biking Bundaberg club promotes a healthy sporting and recreational pastime for the enjoyment of all keen mountain bikers in the community. I was more than happy to support the club in obtaining these funds to develop infrastructure at the Promiseland Road site.
“Sport and recreation clubs such as Mountain Biking Bundaberg are an integral part of this community, so it’s important that their infrastructure and facilities are modern and safe.”
Mr Bennett said he was keen to encourage more families to get involved in sport and recreation.
“Get in the Game is focused on promoting greater participation at the grassroots community level and supporting local clubs and this funding will help achieve that in the Burnett electorate,” he said.
Mr Bennett said the Get in the Game initiative was the Queensland Government’s way to deliver on its commitment to get more young people involved in recreation and sport.
Mountain Biking Bundaberg president Amanda Williams welcomed the funds, which she hoped would go a long way to encouraging more women to get involved in the sport.
“Currently there are no facilities out there –it’s just bush and track. With this money, we’re going to be able to hire more machinery to build new tracks, put up a shelter and toilets,” she said.
Ms Williams encouraged people of all ages to get involved in the sport.
“It’s great for the whole family…we do cater for all levels. Kids can come for a ride. It’s really versatile – anyone can do it,” she said.
“People are worried about what sort of bike you’ve got, but it’s not super technical out there. You only need a basic bike to give it a go.”
Ms Williams said the club hosts social rides where anyone can come along, whether they are a member or not.
Further details on Get in the Game are available at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/getinthegame.
[ENDS] 28 November 2014 Media Contact: 4159 1988