Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, looks on as one of the nation's best junior talents, Aislin Jones, of Lakes Entrance, practises at the soon to be upgraded Bairnsdale Clay Target Club facilities.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, has announced $15,500 in State funds towards Bairnsdale Clay Target Club’s purchase of three new clay traps.

Mr Bull said the club would contribute $7,500 of its own funds towards the total project cost of $23,000.

“This is a fantastic project for the local club which will benefit all members, allowing them to train at upgraded facilities, with the closest facility of this standard currently located in Frankston,” he said.

"Perhaps most importantly it will allow our talented shooters, particularly our juniors, to practice locally in high class facilities without having to undertake - at considerable costs to parents - a seven hour round trip."

Mr Bull said the funding was part of the Victorian Coalition’s Shooting Sports Facilities Program (SSFP) which helps shooting clubs and associations build the capacity of the sport and promote safe and responsible participation throughout the state.

“Sports clubs and their facilities are a vital part of the social fabric of Victorian communities, which is why we’re working hard to deliver great venues where clubs can thrive and residents can participate in the sports they love.

“Our investment will deliver important improvements to ensure Bairnsdale Clay Target Club can continue to provide important community assets for many years to come,” he said.

“I’m sure the Bairnsdale Clay Target Club will look forward to hosting more events, and attracting more members, which will not only benefit the local club but the broader community as more people visit our region to attend events and spend money in our local businesses.”

“I’d like to thank the club for its generous funding contribution and hard work to get the ball rolling on these improvements,” he said.

Minister for Sport and Recreation, Damian Drum said the Coalition was proud to invest in projects that encourage even more people to enjoy the benefits of local sporting clubs that promote safe and responsible firearms ownership.

“It’s part of the Coalition Government’s commitment to build a more active and healthy Victoria, generate additional economic activity for local communities and assist in fostering the social outcomes that sporting clubs provide,” Mr Drum said.

For more information about future rounds of the SSFP and other community sporting facility funding programs on offer, please visit www.sport.vic.gov.au