Christmas has come early for the Isis District Horse and Pony Club thanks to a $100,000 Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) grant.
The Isis Pony Club had come to a halt following significant flood damage to the perimeter fencing of the Apple Tree Creek Sportsgrounds.
Mr Bennett said the damaged fence posed a huge risk with the grounds located alongside the Bruce Highway.
“It’s been a tough few months for this club with rally days and events impacted significantly due do the risk of a horse and its young handler getting out onto the busy highway,” he said.
“This grant will mean new fences can be constructed that will provide safe and usable space not only for the pony club, but for various other community groups where livestock & animals are involved.
“The entire community is impacted when a natural disaster hits, including our hardworking community groups.
“I’m thrilled to see this funding go to such a worthy cause that will help the region become more resilient against future weather events.”
The Isis District Horse and Pony Club is one of eight community organisations across the Burnett sharing in $244,574 under round 114 of the GCBF.
The Bundaberg Rowing Club has been awarded over $52,000 to replace doors and rowing distance markers, while almost $15,000 will be put towards new equipment and a security upgrade for the Moore Park Beach Community Association.
Meghan Schibrowski from the Isis District Horse and Pony Club said the perimeter fence at the sportsgrounds was irreparable following two flood events this year.
“The current fence is unfortunately not stock proof and poses safety concerns for the Pony Club and other users of the grounds when livestock are present,” she said.
“With the grounds being situated alongside the Bruce Highway, safety of livestock, livestock handlers, road users and the general public are a significant concern if an animal was to breach the fencing.
“It goes without saying that this grant will mean a great deal to the Isis Pony club.
“We are a family orientated club which provides people of all ages the chance to meet other people with the same interests in horses.
“Our club is all about encouraging good sportsmanship while promoting the development of each individual’s skills and knowledge of horsemanship.”
Successful Burnett Electorate Organisations – GCBF Round 114
| Alloway State School P&C Association | Purchase Gross Motor Skills Equipment | $19,192 |
| Baffle Creek Mens Shed Inc. | Purchase Tools | $23,712 |
| Bargara Over 50’s Social Club Inc. | Purchase Indoor Carpet Bowling Mat | $1,865 |
| Bundaberg Chess Club Inc. | Purchase Chess Clocks and Computer | $2,130 |
| Bundaberg Rowing Club Inc. | Replace Doors and Rowing Distance Markers | $52,095 |
| Childers State School P&C Association | Purchase Equipment | $30,800 |
| Isis District Horse and Pony Club Inc. | Install Fencing | $100,000 |
| Moore Park Beach Community Association Inc. | Purchase Equipment and Upgrade Security System | $14,778 |
| $244,574.01 |
ENDS.
04/11/2022