Bowls club set to expand

THE Palmwoods Bowls Club is set to double its size and provide a new entertainment facility for the town, with the first stage of an ambitious expansion program due for completion by the end of the year.

The project will be carried out in two stages, with the first to cost $440,000 and to start within eight weeks.

The extension will see the addition of a new 710 sq m clubroom which includes a 212 square metre covered deck overlooking Kolora Park lagoon. It will be integrated with the existing structure.

The new building will provide a lounge area for members, a sportsman’s bar, deck area, poker machine area and additional toilet facilities.

The existing building will become the dining area and will also be available for function hire. A storage shed is to be demolished and removed.

Secretary Phil Rochow said construction would start as soon as building approvals were through, although Maroochy Shire Council had already given its approval for the expansion.

He said the extensions would provide a whole new social centre for Palmwoods and would attract more entertainers and gigs to the club.

"This is a big step for Palmwoods," he said. "There aren’t too many places in the area like this at the moment. We want to give people a popular alternative for entertainment in Palmwoods."

Mr Rochow said that the club had recently been forced to turn down requests to host functions as its premises were too small to cater for anticipated numbers. Its size is also inhibiting membership growth.

"Because we are unable to separate the entertainment area from the party and function area, we have had to knock back bookings lately," he said.

"At the moment we are physically prevented from pursuing more memberships because we are already pressed for space on a big night."

The second stage of the development, which will include a children’s playground, will not be pursued for five to seven years.

It is planned to keep membership fees at $5 a year.

Winter carnival is here

THE Palmwoods Bowl’s Clubs annual winter carnival will attract competitors from far and wide this month.

The carnival starts at 9am on Thursday, July 9 with a mixed fours event. The mixed triples are on Friday followed by Mixed Pairs on Saturday, and mixed fours on Sunday.

There are great prizes to be won, including cash prizes up to $240.

Completed entry forms must be posted to the Palmwoods Bowls Club by Monday, July 6. Further information is available from 5445 9190.