Regional Drought Relief Round

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (15:13): My question is to the Minister for Sports, Recreation and Racing—and colds. Will the minister inform the council about support the Malinauskas government is providing to sport and recreation clubs in drought-affected areas?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:13): The appropriate amount! I thank the honourable member for his question and interest about active club programs. The Regional Drought Relief Round is designed to support regional communities doing it tough due to ongoing drought conditions.

On 8 April 2025, the Malinauskas government announced a $55 million support package to assist drought-affected farmers and communities across South Australia. As part of this broader commitment, $2 million has been allocated to sport and recreation hubs and clubs through an additional round of the Active Club Program.

In the lead-up to this announcement I visited the Adelaide Plains and Mount Gambier, and heard first-hand of the need for urgent support to maintain vital community sporting facilities. The regional drought relief fund is a one-off funding boost for 2024-25, aimed at delivering urgent support where it is needed most. This round is specifically targeting sport and active recreation clubs across regional South Australia, which are feeling the strain of prolonged dry conditions.

The impact of this drought is widespread, from the Adelaide Hills and Adelaide Plains to the Mid North and Flinders Ranges, across the Riverland, Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula and through to the South-East and Kangaroo Island. In these regional communities, sport is more than just a weekend game; it is the social glue that holds towns together. It gives people purpose, families a moment of respite and brings entire main streets to life. We also recognise the critical role sports play in supporting mental health and wellbeing.

Through this program, eligible clubs can apply for grants up to $5,000, depending on the size of the club. The funding can support practical, drought-resilient upgrades, including rainwater tanks, irrigation improvements, energy efficiency measures and utility cost relief. In a first, it can also be used to purchase white goods like fridges and ovens, helping clubs to continue to host post-match meals and community events. This round can also fund uniforms, protective equipment and technology that helps clubs stay safe, inclusive and functional.

I strongly encourage clubs to spend their grants locally, whether it's at the local irrigation supplier, electrical store or hardware shop, so that the benefits of this funding extend beyond the club and help support local businesses in keeping the money circulating within the community.

Applications are now open, and they close at midday on Wednesday 28 May 2025. Full details, including the list of eligible councils, are available on the website. I strongly encourage every club in these areas to apply. This is an investment in our communities. When a local club thrives, so do our local main streets. We know that when farmers are spending less money in their main streets, local businesses often have less capacity to sponsor their local sporting clubs. That is why we are stepping in as a government to help keep the heart of our local communities' sporting clubs beating. I thank all the clubs that have provided advice and have already applied.