While the drought has made it hard for some sports clubs to maintain their facilities, a bowls club in Aberfeldie, one of the oldest in the Moonee Valley area, has tackled the water conservation challenge head on.

 

Water conservation on a roll at Aberfeldie Bowls Club

In January 2008, the Bowls Club unveiled their new, high technology, water free, synthetic bowling green.

The green, which is water free and eliminates the need for herbicides and fertilizers, will help secure the Club’s future as it approaches its centenary in 2010. 

Though the high cost of the project was a stretch for the Club and its members, it was necessary because they could not depend on having sufficient water to maintain a grass green into the future. The $175,000 project was supported by a $50,000 Australian Government Community Water Grant and a $5,000 grant from our Community Support Program. 

Now that the new green is up and running, the Club can once again make its bowling facilities available to local schools and community groups – something that had to be curtailed over the previous year because of the drought and water restrictions.

To celebrate the completion of the project, a community open day was held at the club in February 2008. People had the chance to see and learn about the new green and have a ‘bare foot’ bowl.

About our Community Support Program

Established in 2002, the City West Water Community Support Program helps fund community projects that have a practical water conservation focus and deliver real water savings in the local community. Past projects include rainwater harvesting, establishing water wise garden models and behaviour change programs for students.

Community groups are encouraged to apply for a grant, up to the sum of $5,000 to assist them in undertaking projects that will reduce water usage and improve their environment. Further information is available on our website.