Gerringong Golf Club, joined by local MP Fiona Phillips, officially opened its new fuel storage tanks and cart wash bay last Wednesday.

Partially funded by a $17,500 grant from the Labor Government’s Stronger Communities Program, the project marks the first stage of the club’s long-term plans for clubhouse redevelopment.

The new upgrades include a fuel bay designed with safety and environmental impact in mind. It features a sump to catch fuel spills, addressing past inefficiencies.

“The staff used to go to the local service station to fill up small cans,” said Gerringong Golf Club president Geoff Manning.

“They’d bring them back and then air-pour the fuel, which would take half a day - and it wasn’t environmentally friendly.”

The second major improvement is a covered cart wash bay that allows staff to clean golf carts safely while collecting and recycling the wastewater for irrigation on the course.

“As you move forward, these are the types of improvements you need to make,” said vice-president Tony Quinn. 

The upgrades were just part one of a big plan for the upgrade of the Gerringong Golf Club.

“We’ve gone from having four golf carts to now managing 38. You can’t keep using the old facilities and expect to keep up.

"Plus, regulations have changed - and we want to stay ahead of the curve.”

The club acknowledged the support of Kiama Council and MP Fiona Phillips in bringing the project to life.

“Kiama Council was actually caught off guard when we submitted our application,” said Quinn.

“They’d never seen a club be so well-prepared - they didn’t know how to treat it!”

Attending the launch, Phillips expressed her pride in supporting a project that delivers environmental and community benefits.

“These upgrades will improve safety for members, visitors, and staff - and the water recycling system will help keep the course in top condition,” she said.

Welcoming around 18,000 visitors each year, Gerringong Golf Club is one of the few courses in Australia offering ocean views from every hole.

Geoff Manning, Fiona Phillips and Tony Quinn in the new Gerringong Golf Club fuel station.

“This stunning course, in the most sublime location overlooking the ocean, is a huge attraction for visiting golfers who support our local economy and jobs year-round,” said Phillips.

Gerringong Golf Club was one of 17 community organisations in Gilmore to share in $134,500 of funding through Round 8 of the Stronger Communities Program.

The club hopes this is just the beginning, with plans underway for a full clubhouse redevelopment in future stages.