Centre in running for funds

A NEW multipurpose sports centre in Laidley is a step closer to construction after being selected for the final round of federal grants.

A NEW multipurpose sports centre in Laidley is a step closer to construction after being selected for the final round of federal grants.

The centre, which will be used for a variety of sports as well as a function centre for meeting and community events, has been named as one of the projects in the full application phase of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF).

The Laidley sports centre was last year identified by the Lockyer Valley Regional Council as a priority donation project.

If funded the centre will be located on the existing Laidley Recreational Reserve and include change rooms, canteen facilities, training and meeting rooms, as well as a new grandstand.

The second stage of the project will include a 25-metre heated pool to replace the existing Laidley pool damaged during the flood.

According to the council the indoor sports centre is aiming to improve the facilities at the reserve by increasing the number of sports and groups that can use the facilities, with the end goal of attracting regional, state and national sporting events.

Federal member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the RDAF was designed to help local communities when announcing the grant.

"This funding is an important hand-up, not a handout, for local communities with projects that stack up and provide strong regional benefits," he said.

If funded, construction on the sports centre will begin by June this year and is expected to be completed by July 2013.

Originally published as Centre in running for funds