The club’s plight made Page 1 news in February after storms and flash flooding ruined a synthetic green. By Shaun Inguanzo
UPWEY bowlers are delighted to learn levee banks built next year will help their club to replace its floodravaged playing surface.
Last week’s announcement by Monbulk MP James Merlino that Melbourne Water will fund an $80,000 levee bank for the floodprone Upwey Recreation Reserve has helped end a painful wait for the replacement of the UpweyTecoma Bowls Club’s damaged synthetic green.
Mr Merlino said the levee banks would be built and completed by early 2006, following consultation with the Shire of Yarra Ranges and representatives from the bowls club, Upwey High School and Upwey Football Club.
The UpweyTecoma Bowls Club’s synthetic green was decimated by flash flooding in February this year.
Vicepresident Col Benson said the club was pleased with the announcement.
He said because it was not the first time the green had been destroyed by flooding, the club’s insurance provider would not replace it until walls were installed to stop incidents.
Mr Merlino said the damaging effects of flooding were felt by the community.
“Local residents know that flooding from severe storms has had a real impact at the reserve in recent years.
“The bowling club has been flooded on three occasions since December 2003, so these works will be important to help protect this valuable community facility.”
