A newly completed fairways upgrade at the St George Golf Club in Queensland is a real hole in one for local golf enthusiasts and the broader community.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said club members and visitors would benefit from the upgrading of all the club’s 18 fairways to irrigated grass.
“Previously, the fairways were a mixture of dirt and buffel grass which do not provide a suitable playing surface,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“With memberships expected to swell following the re-seeding of the fairways and the installation of irrigation, the overall viability of the club will be secured well into the future.
“These improvements increase the chance of hosting state and district golfing events which will prove to be a real boon for the local economy.
“This is a great local example of how the Australian Government’s record investment in infrastructure is supporting jobs and investment at a time when it’s most needed.”
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management and Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said Balonne Shire had been drought-declared since 2013 and the St George Golf Club was one of several clubs providing mental and physical health benefits for the community.
“With more people encouraged to play on the upgraded course, it will increase community connections and make the region a more attractive place to live in,” Mr Littleproud said.
“We should see an increase in participation rates from numerous service clubs hosting golfing and charity days.
“The upgrade makes it safer for the local high school to use the course for its cross country.”
The project was fully funded by the Australian Government under its Building Better Regions Fund. This is an $841 million investment designed to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future.
