Sports clubs in Cronulla electorate have passed up an opportunity for state government grants to help buy equipment, uniforms, train coaches or run programs.
Grants totalling $50,000 are made each year to every electorate under the state government’s Local Sport Grant Program.
This year, only $36,850 of the allocation was taken up.
Cronulla MP and Attorney General Mark Speakman said the program provided an opportunity for local sporting clubs to access additional resources to deliver infrastructure projects and services to the community.
“We wrote in October, 2016, to local surf clubs, peak sporting groups and others, who were eligible for funding under the program, advising applications were open,” he said.
“We sent reminders on November 8.”
Mr Speakman said his October newsletter, Cronulla eNews, which was emailed to thousands of constituents also referred to the grants program.
“Only $36,850 in eligible applications were received,” he said.
“This is surprising given the notice given and compared with Community Building Partnership applications each year, where typically moneys applied for exceed moneys available by about four or five to one.”
Sutherland Shire Softball Association received the biggest grant of $14,500 for a dugout upgrade.
Port Hacking Open Sailing Club, a community based family club, which has been operating at Yowie Bay in since 1944, received $7000 for a support rescue vessel upgrade and its Train the Trainers Learn to Sail Program.
Cronulla Bowling and Recreation Club received $5850 for shading for the the protection of bowlers and visitors.
Cronulla Swim Club, which meets at Caringbah Leisure Centre, will have a new timing system with the help of a $5000 grant.
Others to benefit included Sutherland District Cricket Club, which will use $2500 for black sight screens and Wanda Surf Life Saving Club, which was awarded $2000 for a new communication platform website.
Eight sports clubs in Miranda electorate received grants, and the full $50,000 allocation was taken up.