The Schrinner Council is on track to assist more than 90 clubs this financial year as part of its $3.3 million Resilient Clubs Support Program that helps ease the financial pressure many community clubs face to keep the lights on and fields maintained.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the multi-million-dollar program was supporting community groups leasing Council facilities right across our suburbs, with up to 180 clubs expected to benefit from the two-year initiative.

“We are on track this financial year to conduct audits at more than 90 clubs, deliver water and energy works at 40 sites, install solar panels at more than 30 clubs and data and energy monitoring systems at around 50 sites,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Local clubs play a key role in bringing people together and provide a valuable service to our community.

“That is why the Schrinner Council is working alongside them to come up with real, practical options to optimise their water and energy use, and in-turn reduce their operating costs over the long-term.

“Maintaining facilities, especially sporting grounds, can be extremely strenuous on water and energy bills, so we look at things like taps, lighting fittings and irrigation systems and help clubs develop a tailored action plan to reduce their costs.

“This is all about putting more money back into the pockets of Brisbane’s clubs, so over time they are spending less on bills, and more on the things that will benefit their local community.”

Community, Arts and Nighttime Economy Chair Vicki Howard said the Resilient Clubs Support Program was not only helping clubs survive but thrive.

“The coronavirus pandemic has been extremely challenging for many of our community groups as they faced State Government restrictions around operating and capacity restrictions,” Cr Howard said.

“In addition to the $3.3 million Resilient Clubs Support Program, this financial year the Schrinner Council is investing $1.7 million in maintaining 553 community sports fields.

“We have also provided $3 million in direct financial assistance to community, cultural, and sport and recreational groups via the Lord Mayor’s COVID-19 Direct Assistance Program.”

For more information, call Council on 3403 8888 or visit citysmart.com.au