Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My adjournment matter this evening is for the Minister for Sport and Recreation. It is in relation to the Anglesea Bowling Club’s application for funding to assist with its redevelopment into a community-oriented acility. Plans for the club’s redevelopment have been going through a long process, including consultation with a number of community organisations as well as the three tiers of government.
It has been a pleasure as a local upper house member to advocate numerous times in this place and in the community for what will be an excellent facility when it is completed. To date the redevelopment of the club’s building has attracted the support of the Surf Coast shire, which has listed the project as its no. 1 sport and recreation priority.
The shire has committed to providing $250 000 for the redevelopment, with another $250 000 coming from the club itself to fund the total project, which is worth $1.5 million. Local designer Paul Weight is responsible for the design of the new building, which has drawn great praise from club members as well as the wider community.
The Anglesea Bowling Club recently applied for a state government sport and recreation grant for the sum of $650 000. However, members were recently informed that the application was not successful. I have been informed that the club members are extremely disappointed with the decision as they were led to believe that their application would be successful.
The club is an exceptionally strong sporting club that has the involvement of a number of community and sporting organisations such as the Anglesea and District Men’s Shed and the local RSL. A redeveloped facility will assist in catering for the increasing membership numbers whilst providing the township of Anglesea with an excellent venue for community events.
The action I seek from the minister is for him to detail why the application for funding for the Anglesea Bowling Club redevelopment was knocked back. I seek that the minister re-examine the case of this club in the next round. Hopefully we will see this great facility built in Anglesea as it will provide a wonderful opportunity for increased membership and a great venue for a whole range of community activities.