Bairnsdale Golf Club has landed almost $150,000 from the Federal Government to improve its course and attract new players.
Local MP Darren Chester announced the club was among three organisations in his electorate of Gippsland to receive funding through the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).
“Bairnsdale Golf Club will receive a $146,000 grant so it can install a new advanced irrigation system that’s environmentally friendly,” Mr Chester said.
“The existing hydraulic sprinkler system will be replaced with an advanced electric irrigation system. The existing ring mains around the greens and surrounds will also be replaced and the isolation valves renewed.
“With better infrastructure, the club will be able to use water more efficiently and improve the sustainability of the course and this will help to attract new members and more visiting players.”
The club will provide funding to match the Federal Government contribution to undertake the $300,000 project.
Bairnsdale Golf Club General Manager Jeff Graham said the club was thrilled to receive the funding.
“We can’t thank Darren Chester enough for his support,” Mr Graham said.
“The two main aims of the irrigation upgrade are water efficiency and course condition improvements. The later will not only service the club members and local social golfers, it will assist with a strategic plan of attracting more tourists to the region for the primary purpose of golf tourism.”
Mr Graham said the club also had support from Visit Victoria, Destination Gippsland and East Gippsland Shire and would soon begin the irrigation upgrade works and activate its tourism strategy.
Mr Chester’s electorate of Gippsland received a total of $6.5 million through the Building Better Regions Fund. This includes $5.36 million for the redevelopment of the WORLD Sporting Precinct in Bairnsdale. The Federal Government will partner with East Gippsland Shire Council to deliver the $10.7 million project.
Around $207 million has been allocated to new infrastructure and community projects under this round of the Building Better Regions Fund, which targeted drought-affected regional communities across Australia.
