DISABILITY, RECREATIONAL AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (15:12): Can the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing inform the house how the state government is assisting South Australians with disabilities to become involved in recreational and physical activity?

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT (Lee—Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Finance, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:13): I am pleased to inform the house of the 2007-08 round of the state government's Inclusive Recreation Inclusive Sport (IRIS) program. The IRIS program assists in providing active recreation, sport and physical activity opportunities for people with a disability in the South Australian community. IRIS funding will help to support a coordinated approach to achieving strategic outcomes for increased participation in active recreation and sport for people with a disability, and ensure resources are targeted appropriately and strategically. The IRIS program also supports the government's broader objectives for the disability sector.

The annual budget for the IRIS program is $500,000. Some $400,000 from the budget is available to non-profit organisations for major and minor projects. Organisations can apply for $5,000 to conduct small projects that will primarily focus on increasing opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in active recreation and sport. Organisations can also apply for up to $50,000 for major projects that will increase participation and improve the quality of recreation and sport services for the disability sector.

I would like to inform the house of some of the outstanding projects that will be carried out in the 2007-08 round of the IRIS program. The Multiple Sclerosis Society of South Australia will receive $30,000 to develop a new specific exercise program for people with MS who are wheelchair bound. The Port Lincoln Yacht Club will receive $35,000 to install a disabled lift and toilet so sailors with a disability have access to their club rooms. The Wheelchair Sports Association of South Australia will use $20,000 in IRIS funding to develop a regular recreation water program for people with a disability. The state government recognises the importance of quality recreational and sporting facilities for South Australians with disabilities and is proud to contribute to the outstanding work undertaken by non-profit organisations in this state.