2015-01-12 General Committee Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                   12 January 2015


With support from Council Officers they submitted a grant application to the state government’s
Get Playing program seeking the maximum contribution of $100,000 towards the total project
cost of $145,000. In addition to the Club’s contribution of $5,000 in cash and $25,000 in kind the
Club indicated to the State that they would be applying to Council for the additional $15,000
required through the Community Grants program.

The Club was unsuccessful in their Get Playing application but was successful in its application
to Council’s Community Grants Program for $15,000. Unfortunately, as the State Government
and Council funding programs were run concurrently, the Club was unable to confirm Council’s
funding contribution in its application to the state government, which is a requirement.

2.    Current Situation

Sports field lighting is an essential infrastructure required for the functioning of the rugby league
club as without lights the club cannot facilitate home game fixtures or essential training for their
members.

Upon receiving advice of their unsuccessful grant application the Club approached Council for
advice and assistance. Subsequently, a meeting to formulate a way forward was held in
December between:
•    Pomona Cooran Rugby League Club
•    Noosa Council Officers and Councillors
•    Sunshine Coast Gympie Rugby League Association
•    Queensland Rugby League
•    National Rugby League
•    Sport and Recreation Services, North Coast Region
•    Cooroora Netball Club Inc. (whose courts are adjacent to the fields and will benefit from the
     lighting project also)

At that meeting it was proposed that the project costs be split three ways between Council, the
Club/Rugby League and the State Government, in an effort to demonstrate a collaborative
approach. As part of this proposed solution additional Council funds would be sought and an out-
of-round funding application for $45,000 be submitted to the State Government.

Queensland Rugby League Association pledged $15,000 towards the project, raising the
Club/Rugby League contribution to $45,000 with the Club committing to undertake additional
fundraising to raise a further $5,000 if required.

Following the meeting Cr Pardon has written to the Minister for National Parks, Recreation, Sport
and Racing asking for assistance. To date a favourable response has not been forthcoming.

It is worth noting that, in May 2014 Council contributed $40,000 through its Community Grants
program towards replacing the sports field lighting at the Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club and
the Minister for National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing approved an out-of-round
contribution of $100,000 towards the project.

Previous Council Consideration

Nil




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