With costs around $80,000 per year just to maintain two grass greens and new Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) regulations to be implemented, a decision had to be made whether to upgrade or replace the existing surface on one of the greens.

“The cost of maintaining greens was getting far too expensive,” Mr Thompson said.

“Water currently costs $1.23 per kilolitre but this is going to rise to $2.08 in a few years’ time.

“The last time the green was renovated in excess of one million litres of water was used.”

“Coupled with the new EPA regulations which may require a water retention system to collect water off the green, reuse and treat excess water, a synthetic green was an obvious solution.”

“It’s something I have been working towards for the past 18 months and it is good to see it finally come to fruition.

“The new green does not come cheap, however it will pay for itself in a few years’ time.

“There is little watering and the surface is held down by sand and after a couple of months of settlement after installation, the green will require little maintenance.”

The green will be complemented by all new surrounds which is being prepared largely by volunteer members.

New concrete banks have been constructed and the synthetic material will go down into the ditch and up over the bank.

Wheelchair access will be provided at the clubhouse end as the Board believes that there should be access to the green for the disabled.

Surrounds out to the line of the seating will be synthetic and new lighting will be installed along the walkway and steps to the Brown Street entrance.

New electrical wiring to the clubhouse will be located underground and new competition quality lights over the green are also to be installed.

“These new lights will almost doubled the illumination of the current lights with no extra energy use,” Mr Thompson said.

“They are just so efficient” Mr Thompson said

“Come summer time it is expected night bowls will become very popular – from barefoot to competition.

“It is anticipated the new green will be settled in for serious play by the end of July.”