City benefits

Coughlin Park Bowls Club in Horsham will have two new synthetic greens courtesy of a successful Horsham Rural City Council application for State Government funding.

The bowls club, the last in Horsham with all grass greens, will receive $250,000 to upgrade to the modern alternative.

The council will also contribute $10,000 from its annual Community Development Grants Program and the Coughlin Park club, $104,900. As well as the new synthetic greens, the club will also ensure the venue has all-abilities access, building ramps as part of the development.

Horsham mayor Mark Radford said the council had applied for the funding on behalf of the bowls club in February.

“Over the past five years, bowling clubs within Horsham have transitioned from lawn greens to synthetic surfaces for reasons including drought and water-supply issues, maintenance costs, burden on ageing volunteers, all-year-round useability, and ability to engage qualified and experienced greenkeepers,” he said.

“The council has also supported successful funding applications through Sport and Recreation Victoria for two synthetic greens at Horsham City Bowling Club and Sunnyside Bowling Club. Horsham Golf Bowls Club has recently transitioned their single green from grass to synthetic.”

Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford announced the funding during a video conference with Cr Radford, members of Coughlin Park Bowls Club and council staff. The council also received $30,000 for a multi-sport precinct feasibility study.