The Albanese Government has promised more than $1 million in funding to a Queanbeyan sports ground if Labor wins the election. Photo: Supplied.
An historic Queanbeyan sporting venue will receive new infrastructure if an election promise is fulfilled.
The Albanese Government has pledged $1.6 million towards a series of infrastructure upgrades to the Queanbeyan Bowls Club.
If the government is re-elected, the money will be spent on a canopy to cover the green, protecting it from weather and ensuring users can play in all conditions. The proposal also includes upgrades to concrete access paths around the green, and spectator seating upgrades.
President of the Queanbeyan Bowls Club Kevin Pearson said the promised funding was an important development for the club.
“The installation of a canopy at the Queanbeyan Bowls Club Green is an exciting development for lawn bowls in the local Queanbeyan area and the surrounding regions,” he said.
“This will contribute greatly to allowing the club to offer an all-weather lawn bowls facility to club members and the general public, including wheelchair accessibility.
“The facility will allow bowlers of all ages and standards to enjoy lawn bowls for longer in a sun-safe environment and provide an environment that is protected from the extreme summer and winter weather conditions.”
Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain said if the upgrades were delivered, they would make Queanbeyan home to the only covered bowling green in the Canberra region.
“The project will put Queanbeyan on the sporting map with an upgraded facility able to attract regional competitions, providing an economic benefit to the broader Queanbeyan region,” she said.
“Lawn bowls is gaining popularity in the region through competition, [and] barefoot and social bowls [are] enjoyed by a large cross-section of our community.”
Ms McBain said the infrastructure upgrades would bring people to spend in “our clubs, our cafes, our shops” throughout Queanbeyan. Photo: Supplied.
Ms McBain said the project was “DA approved and ready to go”.
“We really want to enhance what is currently already here and help Queanbeyan Bowls Club grow their community more,” she said.
Mr Pearson said he hoped the pledged money would also bring new faces to the club.
“The facility has the potential to increase participation in lawn bowls through additional social bowling sessions, competition bowls and additional tournaments,” he said.
“The canopy will also provide the opportunity for bowls coaching for all ages to be offered in a protected environment and further enhance a sense of community and social connection.”
The federal election will be held on 3 May.
