Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson and Recreation and Sport Minister Steve Dickson opened a new shade structure and storage shed on Saturday 24th May at the Mooloolaba Outrigger Canoe Club, coinciding with the national outrigger marathon titles being hosted by the club.
Ms Simpson said the Queensland Government had contributed $65,758 towards the project through the Get Playing program.
“These new facilities have come at the right time for the club as they host the national marathon titles this weekend and for the next two years, and also the 2016 Outrigger Canoe World Sprints with more than 2,500 competitors.
“The shade structure will allow quicker set up in order for paddlers to get access to the beach, and it will also provide an area for them to set up their canoes away from the sun and rain.
“The storage shed will house all safety equipment and beach wheelchairs for training sessions and provide competitors with easy access.
“It will also provide an area for coaches to deliver sessions in all weather conditions.
“Congratulations to the Mooloolaba Outrigger Canoe Club for pursuing and driving the completion of this great project,” she said.
Club president Ron Grabbe said the new shade structure and storage shed would provide increased quality of training sessions in a safer environment and also better access to safety equipment.
“We hope this will, in turn, result in our club achieving higher results in racing.
“The club upgrades also mean we’ll be able to offer come and try days to the community, offering a healthy, outdoor pursuit for people of all ages.
“This is a project that will deliver benefits to club members and also a boost to the club’s finances. It will give our club a new lease on life,” Mr Grabbe said.
Mr Dickson said the government was keen to encourage more Queenslanders to get involved in recreation and sport activity at all levels.
“We believe participation and success begin with a strong focus on grassroots sport and recreation,” he said.
“It is the reason the government introduced the Get in the Game initiative.
“Get in the Game involves three funding programs-Get Started, Get Going and Get Playing-worth $47.8 million over three years.
“These programs not only provide clubs with better equipment and facilities, but also give children who might not otherwise be able to afford it the opportunity to play sport,” he said.
For more information on Get in the Game, visit www.nprsr.qld.gov.au
