Local community groups are set to receive money out of the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 2 Community Fund set up by the Queensland government.
Deputy premier and transport minister Jackie Trad said total of $25,000 has been made available to five community organisations on the Gold Coast.
“The Light Rail grants provided groups with the opportunity to receive funding up to the value of $10,000. This is a great way for the project to demonstrate support to those working hard to better their local community,” the transport minister said.
“In addition to creating local jobs the Community Fund is another way the project is supporting the community during the delivery phase.”
When Stage 2 of the Gold Coast Light Rail is complete in early 2018, a 7.3 kilometre line will run from Helensvale rail station to the Gold Coast University Hospital light rail station, linking it to Stage One.
“Light Rail has already been revolutionary on the Gold Coast and the extension to Helensvale will provide enhanced transport connectivity for decades to come,” Trad said.
Twelve applications to the Community Fund were made earlier in the year and were assessed by a judging panel comprised of representatives from the Light Rail Stage 2 project, GoldlinQ, and local community members.
“We would like to thank all of the groups that applied for the grants and are pleased that the community fund will leave a lasting legacy in the local area,” GoldlinQ CEO Phil Mumford said.
“This grants program was an opportunity to get involved with the local community and we were very happy with the response it received.”
The five successful applicants are Parkwood Heights Scout Club, Parkwood Rotary Club, Little Souls Taking Big Steps Limited, Southport Girl Guides, and Arundel Park Riding for the Disabled.