Golf club gets $339,000 to begin expansion into racecourse land

The first stage of development at Murray Bridge's old racecourse is about to get underway.

While most of the land will be used for a new housing precinct, to be known as Newbridge, some will be turned over to Murray Bridge Golf Club, which plans to upgrade its par-68 course to a par-71 championship standard.

On Friday, MP Tony Pasin announced a federal government grant of $339,000 for the purpose.

The funding will also help the club build a new driving range and improve its bar, kitchen and restaurant.

Burke Urban, the consortium which will develop the remainder of the old racecourse, will contribute $350,000 towards earth works for the golf course.

Club president Mark Bolton said he was really excited about the project.

Burke Urban general manager Damien Collins said he was delighted that the community would get more recreational open space.

Mr Pasin said the golf club's expansion would give Murray Bridge one more thing to offer residents and visitors.

"It’s projects like this that will transform communities and help ensure our productive and vibrant region remains strong, resilient and prosperous in the long term," he said.

The cash will come from round four of the Building Better Regions Fund.

Among the program's previous beneficiaries are Murray Bridge's new regional rowing centre and the redevelopment of Sturt Reserve.

Other round four recipients include the Mid Murray Council, for a tourism strategy relating to the dark sky reserve in that district; and the Southern Mallee council, which will get $2.25 million towards town centre upgrades at Lameroo and Pinnaroo.

Photo of Tony Pasin with Mark Bolton, Mike Perry, Jeff Morgan and Damien Collins: Supplied.