Club Toowoomba calls on federal minister as $1m funding for bowling green upgrade risks expiry

The future of a $1m sporting project in Toowoomba is now at the mercy of a federal minister. Here’s why.

Supply chain issues have put plans for Club Toowoomba's 12-rink undercover lawn bowls green at risk, with their federal funding set to expire in December.

Construction industry setbacks and labour shortages have a Toowoomba bowls club fearing they could lose out on utilising $1m in funding they were awarded in 2021.

Three years ago Club Toowoomba announced plans for an impressive 12-rink undercover green as part of a ploy to attract high profile lawn bowls tournaments to the region.

The club received $1m in funding from the now defunct Building Better Regions Fund, with supply chain and building contractor issues continuing to push the project back.

Part of the development will include an open-sided, single canopy with LED lighting for night bowling to be erected above an artificial green.

Supply chain issues have put plans for Club Toowoomba's 12-rink undercover lawn bowls green at risk, with their federal funding set to expire in December. Photo: Supplied

Club Toowoomba’s newly appointed general manager Mark Cassidy said a letter requesting a three-month extension had been forwarded to federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King.

It’s understood the federal government is looking to finalise the defunct program in December, prompting the club to request the three-month extension.

The club has secured all of the required materials in order to build the upgraded facility, yet like many others, they are at the mercy of supply and demand of tradespeople.

“We’re just needing the extension to allow time to get a builder in,” he said.

“The bowls community are concerned and frustrated because both South and West clubs have contributed their own money, so if we can’t get the extension it will cause a lot of hurt.”

Mr Cassidy said the upgraded facility would bring large scale tournaments to Toowoomba and increase club members.

The request for an extension has already received support from Member for Groom Garth Hamilton and One Nation leader Pauline Hanson.

The Chronicle has contacted Ms King’s office for comment.

Originally published as Club Toowoomba calls on federal minister as $1m funding for bowling green upgrade risks expiry