LOGAN and Beaudesert MPs have defended sporting grants given to Logan clubs as Senator Bridget McKenzie resigns over the sports rorts affair.
Wright MP Scott Buchholz and Forde MP Bert van Manen say grants given to clubs in their electorates are legitimate while the fallout from a review into the Community Sport infrastructure Program continues.
Senator Bridget McKenzie resigned from cabinet and her deputy Nationals leader position over the program as PM Scott Morrison came under pressure for his handling of the affair, bushfires and climate change policies.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced Senator McKenzie would stand down as agriculture minister.
Mr Buchholz defended grants the Jimboomba Little Athletics Club, Jimboomba Netball Club and Beaudesert Bowls Club.
The Little Athletics Club was given $280,732, while Jimboomba Netball Club received $141,422. Beaudesert Bowls Club was given $14,556.
"The government recognises this is tax payers' money. It should be spent wisely and represent value for money," Mr Buchholz said.
"I believe that these local projects do. They are so valuable and I am pleased that growing areas such as greater Jimboomba have benefited."
"These are local examples, where grassroots sporting organisations have enjoyed the positive impacts of a program investing $100 million in community sport infrastructure."
Mr van Manen, in the marginal seat of Forde, secured $500,000 for Ormeau Junior Rugby League Football Club.
"These projects were thoroughly assessed for eligibility and selected based on various criteria determined at a departmental level by an independent advisory board," he said.
"As the local federal member, I'll continue advocating for upgrades to our community infrastructure which don't just benefit sporting organisations but everyone who uses these facilities for training and events."
An Auditor-General's report into the grants found that many were unfairly allocated to marginal seats ahead of last year's election.
"Funding decisions for each of the three rounds were not informed by clear advice and were not consistent with the program guidelines," the report said.
Senator McKenzie's resignation has triggered a power struggle within the Nationals, with MP Barnaby Joyce saying he will stand for leadership against Deputy Prime Minister McCormack if a spill is called.
