The Allan Labor Government is supporting the bowlers, spectators and broader community of Linton, who can now safely and easily access the Linton Bowls Club no matter their age or ability, thanks to carpark upgrades.

Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett, today represented Minister for Regional Development, Jaclyn Symes, at a site visit to inspect the upgrades, which include a resurfaced car park and new ramp into the clubroom and have improved accessibility for the elderly, movement impaired and people with mobility scooters and prams.

The Linton Bowls Club is a small country club, which hosts a range of competitive and recreational bowls activities for people of all ages. The Victorian Government invested $82,500 in the new accessibility measures, which has already resulted in an increase in participation at the bowls club.

Following the upgrades, the club has started hosting local bowling association tournaments and is now looking to host additional local events and activities to bring the community together and extend their opening hours.

Improved access has also opened up commercial hire opportunities for the Club, increasing its capacity to hold fundraising events to ensure its sustainability.

During construction, 15 jobs were created in earthmoving, concreting and asphalting jobs, with a total of 28 local tradespeople working across the project.

The Victorian Government has invested over $45 billion in projects and programs to create more jobs in regional Victoria, support more community projects and help councils build the infrastructure locals need. For more information visit www.rdv.vic.gov.au.

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes

“Regional sporting clubs are key community assets for small towns, which is why these upgrades at Linton Bowls Club are so important in allowing anyone of any age or ability to join in the fun.”

Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“Linton is a fantastic town with a strong sense of community, and these upgrades will benefit the bowling club and local residents for years to come.”

Quote attributable to Linton Bowls Club member and Project Lead Shayne Ellis

“These upgrades are a boost for our small community with our club now open to all for a range of community events including gatherings, meetings and birthdays.”