Community
27 August, 2021
Innisfail Bowls Club reopens after riverbank repairs
Bowls are rolling down the green and the rinks are once again full at the Innisfail Bowls Club with 20 August 2021 marking the official re-opening of the Bowls Club and completion of the Johnstone River Stabilisation Infrastructure Construction Project.
The reopening of the Innisfail Bowls Club was a momentous occasion, celebrated by Bowls Club Members, Local Government, State Government, Federal Government and the community.
Following damage sustained during the North and Far North Monsoon Trough in 2019, Cassowary Coast Regional Council and the Innisfail Bowls Club secured $1.2 million through the joint Commonwealth-State funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). The project was managed by Council and undertaken by Mager Construction as well as a number of local subcontractors.
The project involved the stabilisation of an eroding section of the river bank through construction of an 85 metre long mass wall. The works also necessitated the replacement of the bowling green, associated fencing, shed, carpark and shade structures with seating.
The re-opening celebrated the preservation of the Innisfail Bowls Club and a reminder of the asset’s important role in the community with both a social focus and its work in various not for profits, charities and community groups.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark Nolan who holds the portfolio of Major Projects said he was very pleased that Innisfail Bowls Club and Council had taken the initiative and worked with the Australian and Queensland Governments to secure funding for this important project and fix this critical issue.
“It is great to see the bowls rolling down the green again. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Federal and State Governments for their assistance with the project and look forward to the Innisfail Bowls Club playing an important role in the Cassowary Coast community for another 100 years and beyond,” Councillor Mark Nolan said.
Member for Hill Shane Knuth who was in attendance at the reopening event shared how impressed he was with the final finish of the river wall reinforcements which was a far better outcome to the alternative of having to move the club.
“I’ve seen the improvements and what a wonderful asset this will continue to be for the community,” Mr Knuth said.
“Full credit to the Innisfail Bowls Club in their never give up approach and persistent lobbying.
“I was very pleased to be able to work with the bowls Club, Cassowary Coast Regional Council, and State Government to see this project come into fruition.” said Mr Knuth.
Alf Strano, President of the Innisfail Bowls Club said “The Innisfail Bowls Club will celebrate its centenary in 2023 and has a number of events planned, all of which can progress now that we have addressed the riverbank erosion issue. It’s a great day for the club and the committee and I would like to thank all of those which have been involved in the project.”
Repairs to the riverbank were jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) through the Community Assets Repair Program.
