-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-
6 August 2019
SPORTING FACILITIES UPGRADE FOR THE COOTAMUNDRA COUNTRY CLUB
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) is currently managing a project for the Cootamundra Country Club with funds from the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund. The project will ensure the long-term sustainability of the Club.
The project, funded by a NSW Government grant secured by Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, will deliver to the Country Club a project that will see the complete renewal of Cootamundra Golf Course’s 60-year-old failing irrigation system. The system uses CGRC treated water for irrigation.
The Cootamundra Country Club golf course was founded in 1895 and is the oldest 18-hole country course in New South Wales. In addition to serving its members, the Club provides a wide range of sporting and passive recreational facilities to the wider community of Cootamundra
The $1.355 million dollar project consists of the replacement of the 60-year-old irrigation pumps, irrigation lines and sprinklers. Construction of a shed to house new pumps, and the construction of a new maintenance shed to meet Work Health Safety requirements. Upgraded staff amenities and Golf cart paths to minimise compaction across the course and improve pedestrian and public safety. The addition of safe cart paths will increase the “playing life” of golfers.
Work is currently well underway, with trenches dug to house the new irrigation lines, the pump shed and equipment is almost complete and the concrete slab for the new maintenance shed has been installed.
CGRC mayor Cr Abb McAlister said the project will contribute to the vibrancy of Cootamundra and the health and wellbeing of its residents.
“This project will assist with improved Club profitability. The improved performance and reliability of the new automated irrigation system will enable the facility to be used all year round. The Club will be able to schedule additional golf tournaments. Lower operating costs of the automated sprinkler system, and lower electricity costs achieved by using “off peak” supply for irrigation pumping, “Cr McAlister said.
Ms Cooke said she was excited to see this project under way.
“The Cootamundra Country Club has a proud history, and this project will see the Club continue to offer recreational activities to residents and visitors alike,” Ms Cooke said.
“The Project will bring some wonderful benefits for the health of the club’s fairways and greens,
which means a great future for Cootamundra Country Club. The improvements to the course will allow a greater role in Regional, State and National tournaments by ensuring effective watering, erosion control and maintenance.
“This is going to be a fantastic facility for the Cootamundra-Gundagai community and I look forward to seeing the end results,” Ms Cooke added.
Cr McAlister added, “This project will also be the enabler that makes the Club’s ambition to gain major Championship events and thereby deliver community participation and economic benefit.”
Pictures and caption:
1 A section of trench on the 14th Fairway has been excavated for new irrigation system.
2 Pump shed at the Country Club dam has been completed. The shed houses new pumping and irrigation technology.
