Warilla Bowling Club Planning Landmark Inclusive Bowling Facility

The proposed project centres on the construction of a purpose-built outdoor synthetic bowling green under canopy, designed from the ground up to support inclusive access, comfort and safety. 

If approved, the development would significantly expand the Club’s capacity to host disability bowling groups, while also providing year-round playing conditions protected from the elements.

Warilla Bowling Club President Phillip Kipp says the Club already experiences strong demand from disability groups, stretching well beyond the local area.

“We host a lot of disabled groups on our indoor green at the moment, and they love it because they’re out of the weather,” says Phillip. 

“But the demand is so high that we’ve had to limit how often we can host them, simply because we don’t have the capacity.”

Kipp says the Club is effectively the only venue of its kind servicing disability bowls participants between Sydney and Merimbula, creating both an opportunity and a responsibility to expand.

“That’s a great thing, but it also means we need to address that issue properly,” he says. 

“We want to be able to support those groups more often and give them facilities that are designed specifically for their needs.”

The proposed outdoor green would address those limitations by providing additional playing space and permanent accessibility infrastructure, including compliant ramps, wider access points and purpose-built amenities.

“At the moment we’ve got temporary steel ramps and temporary solutions,” says Phillip. 

“What we’re proposing is a purpose-built facility — proper ramps, compliant access, purpose-built toilets — everything designed with accessibility in mind, not retrofitted after the fact.”

The Club is currently working through planning and funding processes, including discussions with the NSW Government around a proposed $3 million grant to support the project. 

Support has already been received from peak bowls bodies including Bowls NSW and Bowls Australia, along with a range of disability and community organisations.

Phillip says the project has also received strong local support as it progresses through approvals.

“Our local member has been fantastic, and the feedback so far has been very positive,” he says. 

“The development application is imminent and we’re aiming to have all the paperwork finalised shortly.”