Sporting clubs in Maitland affected by this week’s devastating super storm could be eligible for up to $12,000 in state government funding after the city was declared a natural disaster zone.
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Maitland was one of 12 local government areas that declared natural disaster zones by Premier Mike Baird, who visited SES headquarters in Metford on Thursday.
Neighbouring areas Cessnock, Dungog, Newcastle, Singleton and Port Stephens were also declared natural disaster zones and sporting clubs in those regions could be eligible for the funding as well.
Many sporting venues, facilities and equipment across the Hunter Region were damaged or remain under water following the storms and floods.
Marcellin Park, Maitland Golf Course, Maitland Netball Courts, Maitland Federation Centre and the Maitland Greyhound track were among those affected.
There could be costly repair and restoration work for these user groups and many other volunteer sporting bodies in the coming weeks and months as the long clean up process begins.
Applications can be made to the state government for loans up to $12,000 and for grants up to $2000.
The funding is part of the Natural Disaster Assistance Schemes, which also covers personal hardship and small businesses as well as parks and reserves.
Information about the scheme appears on the Minister for Police and Emergency Services website.
“A special scheme is available to assist sporting clubs in meeting the costs of restoration of essential club facilities that have been damaged or destroyed,” according to the website.
“The assistance is made available to those clubs which do not have the financial capacity to meet restoration costs from their own resources, but which have the capacity to repay any loan that may be granted.
“Under these arrangements the maximum assistance available is $12,000, including a grant of up to $2000 and the balance by way of repayable advance with interest. This finance is available to those unable to obtain assistance through normal channels.”