High-tech driving range coming Howlong Golf Resort thanks to state government grant

More than $200,000 in support from the NSW government will provide Howlong Golf Resort with just the second facility of its kind in the Border and North East region.

Yarrawonga's Black Bull Golf Course is the only other nearby facility with a similar range.

The funds will also help to launch a new program to encourage more women to take up the sport.

Howlong Golf Resort general manager Shaun Whitechurch said it was great news for the club.

"There's a practice fairway there at the moment that will be transformed into an undercover, all-weather driving range with the latest technology," he said.

The upgrade also includes the installation of ball tracking software and new toilet amenities.

Meanwhile, Howlong Football Netball Club received more than $250,000 in NSW government support to upgrade the lights at Howlong Recreation Reserve.

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Federation Council councillor David Longley said the lights will be a minimum 100 lux which allow the club to play night matches.

"It would be great to have other clubs come in and play a night game at Howlong. We'd have to get a feel from the other clubs and whether there's interest," Cr Longley said.

"There will be new towers 30 metres tall instead of 20 and there will be six lights up each pole.

"Planning has already started, but it all depends on availability of materials, in particular the steel poles because a lot of them are produced in China and there's difficulty accessing some of those products at the moment."

Member for Albury Justin Clancy said it was great to be able support the community.

"Howlong is a great community and they love their sport," he said.

"The funding we're providing will help fix the existing lights at the Howlong football oval which do not meet AFL standards and are expensive to operate.

"In this way we are supporting the expansion of night training and competitions to enable the club to grow and achieve its goal of establishing women's AFL, social soccer, touch football, outdoor fitness and community events."

Cr Longley said there has been an expression of interest from a number of women in the Howlong community about female football.

"The new building at the club was designed to accommodate women as well," he said.

"Whether there's enough to start a team is yet to be explored."

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