Advice for sports clubs and organisations impacted by South East Queensland flooding
The Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport (DTIS) will work closely with State Level Organisations and Industry leaders to provide support following the recent flooding in South East Queensland to see sports clubs and organisations get back on their feet as soon as possible.
Officers and volunteers of sports clubs and organisations should not risk their own safety, as there will be time for damage assessments to occur across clubhouses, venues, lighting, fields, courts, amenities, and equipment once the immediate danger has passed and it is safe to do so.
When flood waters have receded, we suggest that sports clubs and organisations undertake the following steps:
- Contact your electrical supply company to ensure your supply has been safely reconnected.
- Check insurances and whether clubs, organisations and their facilities have flood/storm cover. If so, contact insurers to receive advice on how to progress with a claim.
- Identify and capture clear images of tide marks or water heights in and around buildings and equipment.
- If there is significant damage such as ‘bellying’ or collapsing ceilings, do not enter until the building owners, engineers or SES have inspected.
- Wear appropriate PPE including gumboots, gloves etc when commencing removal of damaged equipment and surfaces.
- Ensure stormwater drains are clear and any debris removed in case of follow up rain.
- Document damage to items individually, including floor coverings, appliances, air conditioners, televisions and computers, capturing images and serial numbers of these items before discarding.
- Maintain any receipts associated with the clean-up including for materials, PPE, skip bins or machinery, like dryers.
An emergency grant of up to $5,000 will be available for eligible sport and active recreation organisations located in areas declared under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to help with the clean-up and re-establishing facilities. Sports clubs and organisations can also review the current activations, and the eligibility requirements for Level 1 funding online.
We also encourage eligible organisations to apply for support under the Active Clubs program which opened in late February 2022.
We understand that many sports clubs and organisations, and those in the outdoor recreation industry are at a critical juncture with seasons already commenced, preparation underway, or activities currently being delivered.
The department, State Level Organisations, Industry Peak Bodies and local Councils will work together to support Queensland’s sport and recreation industry.
The department’s Sport and Recreation Team will email clubs directly with further updates as information becomes available. Sport and Recreation intend to have staff out in the field in early March as impacted areas progress into the recovery phase.
For now, stay in contact with your State Level Organisation and Council representatives or email the Sport and Recreation team at sr.disaster@dtis.qld.gov.au.