Tony Appleyard and Mayor Clare McLaughlin at the Whyalla Hockey Grounds

As Council continues to look at ways to help the community recover from the impacts of covid-19, six local clubs, all with ovals to maintain, will have the costs of their April to June 2020 water bills fully covered.

At last week’s meeting, Council resolved to cover 50% of the Weeroona Bay Football Club, Lions Soccer Club, Wanderers Soccer Club, Whyalla Hockey Association, Croatia Soccer Club and Central Whyalla Football Clubs’ recycled water recharge invoices, for the period April to June 2020, at a cost of $9,418.38.

The clubs are eligible for a Department of Treasury Grant, with Council agreeing to provide matching financial assistance with water charges.  This action is aimed at helping local clubs who utilise Councils’ recycled water program with costs incurred during the coronavirus pandemic.

The other half of these water bills will be covered by a Water Relief Grant for Sporting Clubs.  The Water Relief Grant was released by the Department of Treasury to assist clubs who manage ovals and green spaces with a rebate of up to 50% of their water bills due to the impact of covid-19.  Clubs who have connected to Council’s recycled water system were eligible to apply for this grant.

The total cost of water bills to the six clubs in April 2020 was $18,836.76, meaning that the clubs will be eligible for total grants of $9,418.38 directly from the State Government.  With Council agreeing to provide matching relief, this effectively removes water costs for the April to June quarter for these clubs.

Mayor Clare McLaughlin said “Whyalla Council is fully committed to supporting the local community.  We’re aware that the impacts of covid-19 have been far-reaching, with many clubs having to close their doors for a period of time.  We hope that that this assistance will relieve some of the difficulties they have faced and allow them greater capacity to recover from the impacts of the recent pandemic.”