Andrew Constance, Member for Bega and NSW Minister for Transport and Roads, met with executives of the Tuross Head Country Club last week to discuss areas in which some state government funding may be available for course and club improvement.
As with many golf and bowling clubs throughout the state there are major costs in maintaining the facilities, and although the club has successfully renegotiated a more favorable finance package with their bankers, the management and board see a need to embark on a program seeking additional areas of support.
The Tuross Head Country Club comprises three bowling greens, a nine hole golf course, a modern two story club with restaurant, sports bar, bottle shop and meeting rooms, and is ideally located on the edge of Coila Lake with magnificent views over the Tasman Sea.
It is rated as one of the top 9 hole golf courses in Australia with progressive men’s, veteran and ladies sub clubs who each manage their own calendar of events and presentations.
The club was originally established on land gifted by Hector McWilliam and built with donated materials by volunteer workers and this self help attitude continues to this day.
The bowling club also has regular competitions and hosts district pennants events.
The revamped Oceanview Brasserie restaurant has new management and is well patronized by locals and an increasing number of visitors.
The future looks positive and Mike Birks, president of the club, Stephen Hodge, manager and Andrew Gordon, men’s golf president, presented a strong message to Minister Andrew Constance highlighting the clubs past achievements, and outlined future projects that would be of benefit to the club and the community.
One of these featured the existing watering and drainage system where an inspection showed how waste water from the Moruya/Bingie sewerage plant is piped under Coila Lake and is then used on the course.
It is now possible that the club could, with help, extend this system to cover the full course area.
A joint state government, council, and club programme would be of major environmental benefit, use more waste water, and reduce the increasing load on the existing treatment plant.
The Tuross Head club facility is also the focal point for many activities in the town.
A men’s shed has recently been established in the old timber club house and over 60 men now gather there for activities and friendship. This asset is being refurbished and will be maintained by their own members. However, the surrounds and access to the area need work on pathways.
The main club parking area urgently requires resurfacing. Traversing it is a challenge to club members, visitors and the many groups who use the club as a meeting venue.
The club is considering making one of the three bowling greens available for community activities.
There is a need for discussion as to what preferred use would be most suitable and covers are required for the remaining playing greens.
This hands on approach by the club was well received by the Andrew Constance and his staff members.
A detailed written submission was presented to him with some confidence by the club executives and a positive response is hopefully expected for this important community venue application.
Above: Tuross Head Country Club manager Stephen Hodge, men’s golf president Andrew Gordon, Minister Andrew Constance and club president Mike Birks on site.
