The Townsville Rockwheelers Mountain Bike Club will have its flood-damaged trails at Douglas repaired after receiving a $197,670 grant.
Federal Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the project was funded by the $20 million Community and Recreational Assets program.
“This is the kind of project that really gives the community a boost,” Minister Littleproud said.
“It will restore the mountain bike trails and repair facilities damaged by the floods so mountain bikers in Townsville get back to what they love doing.
“The repairs have been approved as an extraordinary recovery measure under our Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
“All levels of government have worked together to get this facility up and running again so the track can serve the Townsville community and surrounding region for years to come.”
Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said the funding comes after a previous $1.7 million DRFA investment in June to restore the Townsville Hockey Complex which was ruined by floodwaters.
“The restoration of the hockey and mountain bike facilities reflect the city’s strength and determination to recover from the significant impacts of this year’s flooding,” said Mrs O’Rourke.
“We have more plans through DRFA to restore facilities for up to 60 not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations across the Townsville, Richmond, McKinlay, Flinders and Cloncurry council regions.
“This weather event was unlike anything we’ve ever experienced, so it’s great to see positive outcomes like this being delivered for our community.”
Member for Herbert, Phillip Thompson said sporting groups have been hit particularly hard by the February monsoon.
“We live in a very active community, so it will be great to see mountain bikes whizzing down Mount Stuart again soon,” Mr Thompson said.
“I’m glad to have been able to assist in fighting for funding to have this repair work done.”
Townsville Rockwheelers spokesperson Travis Bailey said the funding would allow the club to continue track repair work that is currently underway.
“We have already received $45,153 in disaster recovery funding from the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority and $5,000 from Queensland Sport and Recreation Level One Disaster Recovery funding,” said Mr Bailey.
“This investment through DRFA will ensure we can carry out the full repairs needed to restore our trails to their former glory.
“Mountain biking is a popular community activity catering to a large base of riders in Townsville so they will be thrilled to have all trails re-opened and for the club to again be able to host a national cross-country marathon championship event next year.”
A total of $905,461 in Level One Queensland Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program funding has been approved for 194 applicants affected by the North Queensland flooding disaster.
The Rockwheelers Mountain Bike Club and the completed Townsville Hockey Complex are the first two projects to be part of the $20 million Community and Recreational Assets program.
More projects across flood-impacted communities will be announced as the details become finalised.
Works at the club will be funded under the joint Commonwealth-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
