The Dubbo Golf Club will be match fit and ready to host the Women’s NSW Open Championship in 2020 with the NSW Government announcing $1.3 million to install a water efficient irrigation system on the 27-hole course and provide disability access to its clubhouse.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro, Member for Dubbo Troy Grant and NSW Nationals’ Candidate for Dubbo Dugald Saunders made the announcement today at the championship golf course.
Mr Barilaro said the 2020 Women’s NSW Open will be the first major tournament held in Western NSW, with the championship to be contested by the world’s best golfers and watched by television audiences around the globe.
“This state of the art irrigation system will ensure the challenging par 71 course is in world class condition for the Women’s NSW Open while ensuring sustainable water use during this drought,” Mr Barilaro said.
Mr Grant said improving local sporting facilities makes a big difference to regional NSW communities like Dubbo.
“Hosting the Women’s NSW Open and improving the course will play a huge role in boosting tourism in the Central West, with players, officials and supporters from around the country and the world descending on Dubbo,” Mr Grant said.
“By providing sporting clubs with the facilities they need to attract new members and thrive, we lift participation rates, boost health and fitness levels and, just as importantly, help people socialise through sport, have fun and enjoy themselves.
Mr Saunders said he was thrilled that Dubbo would get to host such a world class sporting event.
“Local businesses will benefit as the course and clubhouse upgrades will attract corporate, charity and competition tournaments and invitationals as well as social golfers eager to play a championship course,” he said.
Mr Barilaro said this investment is part of the NSW Government’s priority to improve economic growth and productivity with investment in regional communities.
“Our investment in regional NSW has helped communities with hundreds of projects just like these – making them great places to live, work and play,” he said.
Funding will be made available from the NSW Government’s Regional Communities Development Fund subject to the full project scope and costings being finalised.