Greater Geraldton council backs push for sporting facilities funds

Sporting facilities in the Greater Geraldton area are a step closer to upgrades, after the council voted to support their grant applications. Mullewa Football Club and the Geraldton Hotrod and Country Club applied for the State Government’s Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF) small grant round for July. Under the scheme the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries contributes up to 50 per cent of the costs for facilities upgrades, while the city and the applicant split the remaining portion. Mullewa Football Club, who won the GNFL colts premiership, sought funding to install a chain fence around its home ground, of which the State grant would cover $29,585 of the cost. Meanwhile, Geraldton City Speedway was looking to install a new race lighting control system, with State Government funding equalling $22,259. City of Greater Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune said the program was important for the community. “The CSRFF funding program is open to all sporting clubs who want to increase participation in their particular sport or activity through improving facilities,” he said. “Council is always enthusiastic about supporting clubs who are keen to enhance their facilities which ultimately benefits the community and makes our region a better place to live. “The proposed fence for the Mullewa Recreation Ground will help to maintain a vital component of the sporting and social fabric of Mullewa. “Geraldton City Speedway is a successful long running club and the new lighting will bring the venue into line with the quality of facilities otherwise only found at metropolitan clubs,”