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Essential repairs have been completed on the Magnetic Island Bowls Club's bowling green which was extensively damaged by the North Queensland Monsoonal Trough in February 2019.

The repairs were jointly funded by a $141,016 commitment from the Federal and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) through the $18 million Community and Recreational Assets program.

Magnetic Island Bowls Club President, Doug Allan said the excessive flow of water from the monsoonal rain across the carpet green caused significant movement to the foundation.

Allan explained “this meant we had to remove the carpet and underlay and then the top 200mm of the foundation materials.

“New materials were then spread, consolidated and strengthened, laser-levelled and the underlay and carpet stitched and stapled in position.

Allan continued “Bowls can now recommence for club members and visitors to the tourist island after an extended delay caused by COVID-19 travel restrictions for the specialised contractor from interstate.

“We certainly appreciate the consideration of both the Federal and State Governments in keeping the funding ‘on hold’ until the project could be advanced.

“The Magnetic Island Golf Club has also benefited from this project as the 160 metre3 of removed foundation materials will be used on the golf course.”

Queensland Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the works will have a huge impact on the community adding “getting back to playing sport is an important way for people to recover from natural disasters and sports play a critical role in the physical, mental and wellbeing of Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“All levels of government have worked together to get this bowling green restored to ensure it can serve the community for many years to come.

“The Government is committed to supporting drought, flood, storm and fire affected communities, and will stand shoulder to shoulder with them until the job is done.”

A total of 45 not-for-profit sport and recreation facilities will receive repair works through DRFA, with communities to benefit including Townsville, Richmond, McKinlay, Flinders, Cloncurry, Hinchinbrook and Cassowary Coast.

Queensland Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said the DRFA was seeing facilities restored at 42 not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations and councils across the Townsville, Richmond, McKinlay, Flinders, Cloncurry, Hinchinbrook and Cassowary Coast council regions.

Minister de Brenni said having the bowling green ready to go for locals and visitors alike meant the club would be able to play its part in economic recovery adding “repairing the bowling green put the Magnetic Island Bowls Club in a better position to help the community work through the disaster and once again start to enjoy the best of North Queensland.

“Supporting the club to get the bowling green back up and running is great for locals, but importantly it also supports the recovery of the local economy through our growing domestic tourism industry in the North.”

For more information about the funding opportunities through the Department of Housing and Public Works, please visit www.qld.gov.au

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