Weipa Bowls Club chairman Brad Edie is thrilled with a $2.5 million promise to build a roof and new greens at the club.
LONG-SERVING Weipa Bowls Club chairman Brad Edie is as red as they get – he’s a Labor man through and through.
But you suspect that might change on May 21 after the LNP promised his beloved second home $2.5 million to build a roof over the bowling greens.
Warren Entsch, who is facing a tough battle to be re-elected, said his government was making the commitment to allow bowlers to play year-round.
The funding includes money for the roof and to build two new synthetic greens.
Mr Entsch said it would also allow for the installation of lighting to ensure members can play at night, as well as the installation of fans to make the area more comfortable.
“The Weipa Bowls Club upgrades formed part of my comprehensive plan for the Leichhardt community,” he said.
“This is about listening, acting and delivering for the community.
“The bowls club is a very important hub for the Weipa community, not only in a sporting sense but most certainly in a social sense.
“This project will allow the club to expand further, attract new members and hold additional competitions.
“It will give club members and players access to a year-round playing surface which will help bowlers develop their skills.”
Mr Edie, who has for years been seen handing out Labor’s how-to-vote cards in Weipa, said he was extremely grateful for the LNP’s election promise.
“On behalf of the Weipa Bowls Club, it is my privilege to thank Warren for his extraordinary efforts in securing this grant,” he said.
“In combination with funds already available to the committee, the club, its members and the broader community will soon be enjoying a world-class facility for the benefit of current and future players of our sport.”
Weipa Bowls Club manager Tania Iti said having an all-weather facility would be a boon for the club and the community.
“You know what it’s like in Weipa when it gets really hot. You can’t play bowls out in that weather,” she said.
“This will give us a lot more options for competitions and social bowls, as well as other functions.”
She said the Weipa Bowls Club would contribute $500,000 towards the project.
“It’s a lot of money for us and even though we can afford it, it’s a massive investment,” the manager said.
“We need to get synthetic greens because the grass won’t grow with a roof over them.
“That will also lead to some savings for the club.”
Ms Iti said she wasn’t sure when the project would be completed, with the funding dependent on the LNP winning the election and finding a window for the construction.
Weipa Bowls Club members are now hoping that Labor comes to the party with the same funding promise.
Leichhardt’s candidate Elida Faith has visited the Weipa Bowls Club several times over the last four years because the club is traditionally known as being “Labor friendly”.
That could soon change.
