The Saxby Roundup Association will have vital repairs made to flood-damaged infrastructure at its grounds north of Julia Creek.
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The federal and state governments are providing assistance under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements through the $20 million Community and Recreational Assets program.
The funding will help replace infrastructure and equipment damaged in the 2019 floods and is a boost for Saxby Roundup which was forced to cancel for 2020.
There were plans for Saxby and Yelvertoft to combine in Julia Creek next month but the Roundup has had to pull out.
"Unfortunately, due to overwhelming enquiries and the additional resources required to run the event in Julia Creek within COVID-19 parameters has meant the weekend is no longer feasible," the Roundup said on its Facebook page.
Yelvertoft will now have a draft and rodeo at own grounds on the weekend of August 14-16 but spectators will be limited to 500 and gates will be locked on the Friday afternoon.
The Saxby cancellation will leave more time for flood repair works and Saxby Roundup Association President Colin Blacklock said works to be carried out include the replacement of damaged underground power, ablution blocks, concrete slabs, shelter, and equipment and would be complete by the time they return in 2021.
"These repairs are essential to ensure the well-known Saxby Roundup weekend continues well into the future," Mr Blacklock said.
"The committee made a huge effort after the 2019 floods to get things back up and running in a very makeshift manner which allowed the event to proceed that year.
"It was important to do that so the community could take a breather from the clean-up, and so we could provide some support for local small businesses.
"Now it's time to restore the grounds to their original, permanent state and this funding will ensure we can do just that, so the Saxby Roundup can remain a feature on the Queensland calendar, and we can continue raising money for local charities."
Saxby is one 45 not-for-profit sport and recreation facilities will receive repair works through DRFA, with communities to benefit including Townsville, Richmond, McKinlay, Flinders, Cloncurry, Hinchinbrook and Cassowary Coast.
Queensland Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said maintaining community spirit and solidarity was critical during recovery, and sport was a proven outlet to help with that.
"Places like Saxby Roundup bring Queensland communities together, which is so important during difficult times like these," Mr de Brenni said.
"Getting the repairs underway sends a strong message to outback communities that we are with them, through the tough times."
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
