MPs explain sport funding

RACHEL Nolan and Wayne Wendt might have felt like a couple of rugby props after meeting with Ipswich sporting groups this week.

The Ipswich MPs held an information session for the State Government’s new package of sport and recreation funding programs.

Mr Wendt said advice indicated about 40 people would come to the session in Ipswich Civic Centre on Thursday night, but more than 50 arrived.

“Representatives were there from scouts, churches, schools – both private and public – rugby league, hockey, inline skating, bowls, and just about every other club you can think of,” Mr Wendt said.

“The session was planned for around two hours, with the presentation from the sport and recreation people lasting nearly an hour.

“All of the clubs and reps had a number of questions and I understand that everyone went away happy with the streamlining of the application and grants process.”

He said further forums would be held in Gatton and Goodna soon.

The State Government said the sport and recreation funding programs worth more than $138 million would create jobs, help build infrastructure and deliver initiatives to encourage Queenslanders to take part in sport and recreation activities.

For more information, call 1300 656 191 or visit www.sportrec.qld.gov.au.

• In more good news for Ipswich sport, the Federal Defence Department has allayed fears the expansion of RAAF Base Amberley would consume Ivor Marsden cricket fields.

The fields’ groundsman Greg Conway said there had been talk for a few years about the base taking over Ivor Marsden.

Mr Conway said the talk intensified recently when a public notice appeared in The Queensland Times.

“The notice was from the Federal Government for the possible acquisition of Rogers’ trotting paddocks next to the grounds,” he said.

“The reason given was for use as a buffer zone for Amberley Air Base, and the cricket fields are between the paddocks and the base.”

However a Defence spokesman said yesterday the cricket fields were safe.

“The land beside Ivor Marsden fields has been offered as a buffer around the base, but it will have no effect on the use of Ivor Marsden,” the spokesman said.