A suggestion to any prospective Councillor and Mayoral candidates for next year’s election is to have a fair policy regarding the treatment and assistance to Southern Darling Downs sporting organisations.
With a conservative estimate of over 4000 participants and most of voting and rate paying age, the community-run volunteer-based groups deserve better treatment and support. Special attention needs to be paid in the area of sporting fields maintenance (mowing) and fulltime groundsmen. At very least financial assistance to offset ever increasing running costs would be greatly appreciated, perhaps waving the huge rates bills for lease holders on sporting grounds.
On average each sporting group in the region faces a $20,000 per annum start up cost before a ball is kicked, bounced or bowled.
Surely groups run by the community for the community deserve some assistance as is the case in nearly every other Shire in S.E Qld. A fair policy would result in enormous community support I am certain.
Consider this for the sake of a healthy and fit community and the future of our sporting groups because without them, the kids will not have the opportunity to become the stars they now idol.
Colin O’Brien
WCA President (Warwick Cricket Association) & Member of CSUG (Condamine Sports Users Group)
