07/03/2013

The RACQ Foundation is encouraging Queensland community groups impacted by the recent floods to apply before the 29 April deadline for up to $200,000 in funding to help cover rebuilding and repair costs.

RACQ Executive General Manager Advocacy, Paul Turner, said many community groups were still recovering from the 2011 summer of disasters, only to be inundated again by the widespread flooding that has occurred since late January.

“The recovery process has been tough for these communities and now to face the prospect of going through it all again is overwhelming,” Mr Turner said.

“Community groups affected by the recent floods can apply to the RACQ Foundation for up to $200,000 per project to repair, replace or rebuild their damaged properties, buildings and equipment and to protect against future natural disasters.

“The Foundation was set up after the 2011 floods to help affected community organisations recover and charity organisations to provide ongoing assistance to flood and cyclone victims.

 “More than 100 community groups throughout Queensland have received funding totalling $6 million from the Foundation.”

Some examples of groups the RACQ Foundation has helped to get back on track are:

•  The Texas Jockey Club received $103,000 to replace bookmaker stands, canteen and bar facilities, the steward and secretary’s offices and jockeys’ rooms, and to re-paint their club.  As a bonus they won the State Government’s approval to hold an additional annual race meeting, thanks to the standard of the repairs to their club and racetrack.
• The Cardwell Country Club threw open its doors on New Year’s Eve last year for their first big community event since rebuilding following Cyclone Yasi. The Foundation approved a total of $50,000 to help the Club cover its repair costs.
• The Queensland Theatre Company in South Brisbane spent $110,000 they received from the Foundation replacing costumes and props lost in the floods.
• The Rotary Club Ipswich North received $124,000 to provide home owners in the Ipswich/Karalee area with building materials such as dry wall sheeting and kitchen packs.

“We encourage flood affected community organisations to apply for assistance before the next deadline for applications on 29 April,” Mr Turner said.  “The assistance can help groups overcome financial hurdles to get up and running again, while providing protection against future disasters.”

See the RACQ Foundation documentary at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAVDwauqFUs. For more information, visit www.racq.com/foundation.