Community groups urged to apply for disaster funding

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RACQ Foundation spokesperson Renee Smith said charities and community groups including sporting clubs could apply for funding of up to $50,000, or up to $100,000 in exceptional circumstances, to help them recover and from natural disasters such cyclones, floods, bushfires and drought.

“As resilient as Queenslanders are, following a natural disaster small community groups often need a helping hand – that’s why RACQ Foundation was established,” Ms Smith said.

“RACQ Foundation funding can be used to get groups back up and running, benefitting the local community and providing a much-needed morale boost.”

Ms Smith said the Foundation was proud to have recently approved funding for several projects which not only made local communities more resilient to natural disasters, but also more sustainable.

“A number of groups have successfully applied for funding for water recycling systems and water tanks – we’ve even approved a grant for a high-capacity battery and solar panel system so the organisation can run off the grid,” she said.

“It feels great to know the grant will not only help them now, but also continue to help protect and prepare their communities for the future.”

Peter Klemm from the Amiens History Association Inc at Stanthorpe, a recent grant recipient, said his organisation was thrilled to purchase a water tank, pump and hose to be used for bushfire mitigation after a fire came too close for comfort a few years ago.

“RACQ Foundation gave us a grant which covered the cost of a 22,700 litre water tank, a 5.5 litre Honda pump, fire reel and various fittings,” Mr Klemm said.

“This will allow the association to not only fight an on-site fire but also allow the local Rural Fire Brigade to fill its tank from ours.”

Applications for the latest RACQ Foundation funding round close 22 October.