MEDIA RELEASE



QUEENSLAND GAELIC FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

SAVING OUR COMMUNITY’S WATER

Queensland Gaelic Football Association with assistance from the Australian Government’s Community Water Grants today launched our water recycling project set to collect stormwater run-off from the carpark and clubhouse roof to a secure underground storage tank for the irrigation of our premier playing field.

Queensland Gaelic Football Association received $49,675.00 in Round 2 of Community Water Grants. The Queensland Gaelic Football Association (QGFA) is the state body for six Gaelic football clubs throughout south east Queensland. As a volunteer run organisation, the QGFA works tirelessly to provide opportunities the community to participate and enjoy this unique game.

The QGFA was formally established in 1983, with the establishment of four clubs to represent the geographical spread over Brisbane. These four clubs played out a Men’s competition at ‘Gaelic Park’, Willawong, grounds which had been secured with Brisbane City Council the year before. 1996 saw the introduction of the Men's Reserve grade that brought an influx of new young players. The following year saw the establishment of a Women’s competition, which has continued to grow.

The development of "Gaelic Park" steadily progressed throughout the eighties and was funded by the local Irish community and built entirely by volunteers. The dressing sheds were built in 1984 with work on the clubhouse commencing in 1989 and completed in 1990 to coincide with that year's Australasian Championships hosted in Brisbane.

Since its formation, Queensland has hosted the Australasian Championships four times; 1977, 1982, 1990 & 1998. We also have the privilege of hosting the Championships again in 2005. The Championships are held over five days in early October and bring together the best Men, Women & Youth players from most Australian states as well as New Zealand.

“We are proud to work together with the Australian Government to help improve both the water quality and water efficiency within our community,” said Paul Rice

The key details / outcomes of the project are:
• 100,000 litre underground water tank.
• Refurbishment of all sanitary appliances including shower, toilets, wash hand basins and kitchen fittings with slow flow or Greenstar rated fittings.
• Installation of Water urinal to male toilets.
• The stored water is to be used exclusively for field irrigation to maintain a healthy & safe playing surface.
• Improvement of surface water quality to the Oxley Creek catchment by filtration of carpark run-off through our artificial aquifer water tank.
• Community awareness of water issues through active project promotion.

“Community Water Grants encourage better water use and improvements in water quality through practical on-the-ground projects, such as reducing pollutants reaching our waterways, and water recycling and efficiency initiatives,” said Mr. Rice the associations project administrator. ‘We are more than happy to step us and meet that challenge, given the current water crisis in South East Queensland’, he added.

Community Water Grants is part of the $2 billion Australian Government Water Fund. Water savings, recycling and treatment projects that demonstrate community involvement and a clear public benefit are eligible for funding up to $50,000.

For more information about Community Water Grants visit www.australia.gov.au/communitywatergrants or phone 1800 780 730.

Media Contacts: Paul Rice - Project Administrator Tel: 0422 950 275
Email: paul.rice.home@optusnet.com.au

Emma Spranklin - Association President Tel: 0417 074 554
Email: president@gaelicfootballqld.com.au

Veronica Snowdon - Public Relations officer Tel: 0417 079 061
Email: assistantsecretary@gaelicfootballqld.com.au

Sponsor and Contributors:

Shamrocks Civil http://www.shamrockcivil.com.au/

Specialized Plumbing Services Tel: 07 3209 6933

East Coast Environment Solutions http://www.eces.com.au/ECESTOP.htm

Organisations:

Brisbane City Council - Brisbane Water http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/

Brisbane City Council - Community Leasing http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/

Queensland Health http://www.health.qld.gov.au/

Environmental Protection Agency http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/

Consultants:

DEB & Associates - Hydraulic Engineers Email: scott@debassociates.com.au

Products: Atlantis Matrix Water Tanks http://www.atlantiscorp.com.au/

Uridan Waterless Urinals http://www.watersave.com.au/Uridan/

Enware WELS tapware http://www.enware.com.au/

Davey Pumps http://www.davey.com.au/

Caroma http://www.caroma.com.au/index.html

Reference Material: