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.
Development
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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.
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.
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.
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