Bowled Over Federal LNP Joins State In $1M Club Investment

By Amanda Wright

The Liberal National Party (LNP) has pledged $500,000 to upgrade the Northern Beaches Bowls Club if elected, boosting the local community’s social and sporting hub.

Federal Member for Dawson, Mr Andrew Willcox, announced the funding at the club, confirming the federal contribution would match the $500,000 already committed by Whitsunday MP Amanda Camm from the Queensland state government.

“This is a very important project for our community,” Mr Willcox said.

“The upgrade will fund a shade structure over the bowling green, protecting players from the harsh North Queensland sun and reducing the risks of melanoma and skin cancer.

“The Northern Beaches Bowls Club isn’t just a sports club; it’s a community gathering place where families and friends come together.

“This investment is for the entire community.”

Adam Johnson, chairman of the Northern Beaches Bowls Club, expressed his gratitude for the announcement and explained the upgrade’s significance.

“This funding will be transformative for our club,” Mr Johnson said.

“The shade structure will allow us to use the green comfortably throughout the year, which is crucial for our members’ health and well-being.

“It also enables us to host regional competitions and larger community events, bringing more visitors and vitality to the area.”

Mr Johnson mentioned the club’s broader role in the community.

“Our club is a key social hub where friendships are formed and strengthened. The bistro hosts local events and is a gathering place for families and friends.

“With this upgrade, we can enhance our facilities, support our members, and serve the wider community more effectively.”

The total cost of the project is estimated at $1.5 million. With commitments from the state and federal governments, the club hopes to complete the upgrade by mid-2026, pending the club securing the remaining funds through financial reserves and community fundraising efforts.

The proposed shade structure will be a robust canopy, designed to withstand North Queensland’s extreme weather while providing year-round sun protection.

“We’re incredibly grateful for this support,” Mr Johnson said.

It means we can enhance our club’s facilities, attract more members, and continue to serve as a vital part of the Northern Beaches community for generations to come.”

Investment in the Northern Beaches Bowls Club isn’t just about enhancing local facilities—it’s a strategic move to ease congestion on the Mackay Bucasia Road. Currently, many residents travel into Mackay’s city centre for recreational activities, dining, and social events, adding to the daily traffic burden on this already congested route.

"People drive past this facility to go into town, as we know, the road behind us here is often very, very congested," Mr Willcox explained.

"So by people being able just to come here, whether it be to have a game of bowls, attend a concert, or even have dinner at the bistro, it takes traffic off that road.

“This is the fastest growing area within Mackay. So anything that we can actually have outside the city is a big benefit to the whole community.

“The Coalition understands rural, regional, and remote communities. That's why we want to put our money into facilities like this for everybody to enjoy."

In addition to the bowls club announcement, Mr Willcox confirmed a $5,000 federal commitment to the Mackay Men’s Shed for the purchase of a Double Drum Sander. The Men’s Shed plays a vital role in the community by providing a space for local men to connect, create, and support each other through woodworking projects, furniture making, and more.

“Having this equipment will allow us to take on larger projects and improve our workshop capabilities,” a Men’s Shed coordinator said.

“It’s about giving men a space to connect, create, and support each other, and this funding is a big step in helping us achieve that.”

Mr Willcox underlined the importance of supporting local community hubs.

“Facilities like the bowls club and the Men’s Shed are the backbone of our communities.

“Investing in them isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about investing in people’s health, well-being, and sense of belonging.”

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, takes aim during a game of bowls at the Northern Beaches Bowls Club, showing his support for the club's $1.5 million shade upgrade. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Andrew Willcox joins Northern Beaches Bowls Club members, celebrating the announcement of a $500,000 federal funding commitment to enhance the club’s facilities with a shade structure

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