Monday, May 22, 2017
Local community groups are set for a welcome cash boost, thanks to the Palaszczuk Government’s Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 2 Community Fund.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad said ahead of Stage 2 taking its first passengers in 2018, the project was already delivering benefits to the community with a total of $25,000 in grants awarded to five local organisations.
“The Light Rail grants provided groups with the opportunity to receive funding up to the value of $10,000. This is a great way for the project to demonstrate support to those working hard to better their local community,” Ms Trad said.
“Light Rail has already been revolutionary on the Gold Coast and the extension to Helensvale will provide enhanced transport connectivity for decades to come.
“In addition to creating local jobs the Community Fund is another way the project is supporting the community during the delivery phase.
“To date more than $107 million has been spent with South East Queensland suppliers so this is a local job being built by local workers.”
One organisation that will be assisted through the fund is the Parkwood Heights Scout Group which received $8,000 to assist with disability access to its clubhouse on Napper Road.
Scout Leader Stuart Christie said the grant would open up scouting in Parkwood to people of all abilities.
“This grant will allow us to upgrade and reconfigure the bathroom with handrails to ensure the facility is compliant with the disability building code,” Mr Christie said.
“We want to welcome people of all abilities to our club and with this grant that is now possible.”
In addition to disability access for the local Scouts, the grants will be used by other successful groups to buy new equipment and supplies, provide a shaded play area for children and to continue valuable programs for the disabled.
Other recipients include Parkwood Rotary Club, Little Souls Taking Big Steps, Southport Girl Guides and Arundel Park Riding for the Disabled.
GoldlinQ CEO Phil Mumford said 12 applications were received and the submissions were of a very high standard.
“As construction moves ahead it is great to be able to support local groups that are working hard to make a positive difference for their community,” he said.
“We would like to thank all of the groups that applied for the grants and are pleased that the community fund will leave a lasting legacy in the local area.
“This grants program was an opportunity to get involved with the local community and we were very happy with the response it received.”
The successful applicants are: