The City of Gosnells has agreed to contribute up to $250,000 towards a project to cover two bowling greens at the Thornlie Bowling Club.
The decision was made at the February 24 council meeting, where councillors voted to support the funding alongside a proposed $1.4 million Federal Government grant and a $250, 000 contribution from the club.
The project aims to install a roof structure over two existing greens at the club, allowing the facility to operate in more weather conditions and helping protect players from the elements.
City of Gosnells Mayor Terresa Lynes said council’s support would help ensure the project could proceed despite rising construction costs.
“The Club secured Federal Government funding for the project and the City intended to deliver the development using those funds,” Mayor Lynes said.
“However, construction costs have continued to rise, creating a funding shortfall. Council’s support will ensure the project can proceed and be completed for the benefit of the community.”
The City’s contribution will come from its Community Infrastructure Reserve, which currently holds about $6.67 million. The reserve is also supporting nine other projects this financial year, including extensions at Gosnells Bowling Club, construction of the Langford Indoor Sports Centre and the City’s playground rubber soft fall replacement program.
Mayor Lynes said supporting community sporting facilities remained a priority for the council.
“These facilities play an important role in strengthening community connection, participation and wellbeing across the city,” she said.
The Thornlie Bowling Club currently has nearly 200 bowling members and a similar number of social members.
Club secretary Ralph Bailey said covering two greens was important for the club’s operations.
“We always wanted two greens covered because of the physical layout of the greens,” Mr Bailey said.
“When playing pennant matches at home, we require the use of two greens in more than 90 percent of playing dates. With one green only covered we would have the continuing problem of deciding which division gets to play undercover.”
Mr Bailey said the covers would help keep players out of the sun during summer and dry during winter, while also extending the life of the synthetic greens.
The club also hosts events organised by BowlsWA and allows outside groups to hire greens for functions. Mr Bailey said the covered greens would allow the club to host more events in a wider range of weather conditions.
Under the council decision, the City’s contribution was capped at $250,000 following an amendment moved by councillor Saiful Islam.
Cr Islam said the amendment was aimed at setting a clear limit on the City’s financial contribution.
“My main concern was that the original recommendation didn’t set a clear limit on the City’s cash contribution,” he said.
“If the project had cost over $600,000, it could have used up half of our reserves.”
He said the cap provided clarity and ensured public funds were used responsibly.
Cr Islam also raised concerns about the influence of election commitments on council funding decisions.
“If we allow state or federal election promises to influence funding, it risks favouring clubs with strong political connections over those that genuinely need support,” he said.
“Smaller clubs and not-for-profits, which work just as hard, could miss out.”
The club said most of the funding needed to install the structure has been secured, although additional features such as seating, paving, televisions and WiFi may be added later as funds become available.
The next step is confirmation of the Federal Government grant before the City of Gosnells calls for tenders for the project.
Mr Bailey said the best-case timeline would see construction completed around Christmas 2026, although it could extend into early 2027.
