Community sport and recreation clubs can apply for funding under the Community Sport and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF) to help improve their facilities and infrastructure, Alfred Cove MLA Dr Janet Woollard said.

“The latest round of small grants for projects up to $150,000 under the Community Sport and Recreation Facilities Fund has now opened,” Dr Woollard said.

“I encourage community sport and recreation clubs needing that extra bit of financial assistance to apply for funding under this program so that we can build a stronger, healthier, happier and safer community.

“Examples of small grant projects include minor upgrades to swimming pools, construction of or upgrades to shade shelters, court resurfacing or upgrades and safety fences for sport and recreation facilities.

“Clubs can apply for anywhere between $2,500 and $50,000 towards projects that help to develop good quality, well-designed and well-utilised facilities in which members of the community can enjoy sport and recreation.

“Since the 2007/2008 fund year, our local community has received a total of $860,551 under the CSRFF program.

“We have seen more than $15,000 go to the Attadale Netball Club for the upgrade of existing floodlighting at Troy Park Reserve and more recently the City of Melville received $533,000 for the construction of a water playground.”

The Marmion Reserve Sporting Association (MRSA) has also been successful in receiving CSRFF funding for the construction of a storage room, upgrades to floodlighting and the construction of an undercover area at Marmion Reserve.

President Brenton Cunningham said the MRSA was home to the Melville Junior Football Club, Melville Lakers Netball club and the East Fremantle Tee-ball club, which combined, have more than 700 junior members.

One third of the cost of these projects was funded through the CSRFF, with the City of Melville and the club splitting the remainder of the cost.

Mr Cunningham said that without the CSRFF program, these projects might not have come to fruition.

“The CSRFF funding has assisted our clubs provide a more workable environment for volunteer parents and most importantly, better facilities for the kids,” he said.

“Our new storeroom allows equipment to be located in one place rather than having to store it at parents homes, whilst the ground lighting ensures a safer training for our sporting kids, and better flexibility for training sessions.

“The undercover area has proven to be a bonus for parents watching sport in either summer or winter, whilst also ideal for some training sessions and club functions. It is even useful for the community in general when sport is not being played.”

For full details about the CSRFF small grants visit http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/164