Port club opens up as clouds gather over site

Jessica Benton
Embattled Portarlington Bowls Club will throw open its doors to new members this weekend as it faces an uncertain future amid redevelopment plans for its foreshore site.
Club spokesperson Sally Nielsen said the open day on Sunday would seek to “increase the club’s profile around town”.
The Independent reported earlier this month members feared the redevelopment could force their club to close.
State Government’s draft Portarlington safe harbour plan includes a proposed four-storey hotel on the bowls site.
The plan earmarked the club to either move west or to the proposed hotel’s roof terrace.
Ms Nielsen said this year’s open day was particularly important to the club because of the harbour redevelopment.
“It’s very important the community gets behind the club,” she said.
“Bowls clubs in areas like Portarlington are so much more than just sports clubs because there are a lot of older people in the community.
“The bowls club becomes like their second home. They would be lost if anything happened to the club or if it was closed down.”
The open day will run from 1pm to 6pm.