The Birregurra Bowls Club will have a new synthetic surface following a $60,000 boost from the Victorian Government’s Synthetic Surfaces Program (SSP).
The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said the club was among eight projects to share in $960,000 for the installation of synthetic turf. This funding is part of the $27.7 million that the Victorian Government has committed since 2006, towards new ways of keeping our drought affected sports alive.
“There is no doubt the drought has forced us to think of new ways to keep sport alive in the face of climate change,“ Ms Tierney said.
“Sport is the lifeblood of many local communities, not only as a means of people keeping active, but also as a social activity where friends meet and communities come together.
“Through this type of funding we are helping to ensure that community sport is played across Victoria in all seasons, no matter what the weather brings,” she said.
The Colac Otway Shire will receive $60,000 to replace the existing grass bowling green with a new synthetic green at the Birregurra Bowling Club.
“The project will significantly reduce water use and maintenance labour currently required from aged volunteer club members and ensure ongoing club provisions to the community,” Ms Tierney said.
Sport and Recreation Minister, James Merlino said the SSP was helping communities to manage the impact of the drought on their sporting facilities and encourage active participation.
“As we recently saw after Black Saturday, local sport has a real power to bring communities together – in good times and in bad,” Mr Merlino said.
“That’s why we’re delighted to continue our investment in community sporting facilities across the State.
“We have a range of funding programs that are supporting sporting clubs and facilities struggling with the challenge of drought, ageing infrastructure and population growth.
“In doing so, we’re ensuring that all Victorians have access to quality sporting facilities so they can get involved and stay connected to their communities.
“Better facilities help to encourage greater participation in exercise, which can help to improve levels of physical activity and enhance a person’s overall health and wellbeing,” Mr Merlino said.
For more information about funding support for community sporting facilities, please visit www.sport.vic.gov.au