City seeks feedback on golf facilities strategy

THE City of Greater Geelong is asking for community feedback on its draft Golf Facilities Strategy 2019-21, which would see the council not directly operate any golf courses for the next three years.

The proposed transition would see Lara and Queens Park join Barwon Valley, Clifton Springs, East Geelong and Ocean Grove as courses operated by their resident clubs on low-cost, long-term leases. The city would also investigate options for the Balyang Par 3 course.

The council says the draft strategy provides a clear vision for the future use and management of golf facilities on City of Greater Geelong-owned land or Crown land leases.

It sets a plan to work with tenant clubs to maximise the social, health and wellbeing benefits golf offers to the community, while helping to ensure the region’s public courses are sustainably managed. It aims to see the region’s public golf clubs continuing to compete in the crowded sport and leisure market, while giving the community access to affordable golf facilities.

The city will assist clubs to be strongly customerfocused and to work on initiatives that make their facilities attractive to women, families and younger generations.

“This draft strategy has been developed through a very detailed process that included consultation with the clubs and the wider community,” Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said.

“Council supports golf and the health and wellbeing benefits it brings. Our aim with this proposed club-based management model is to make sure all publicly owned courses in Greater Geelong are sustainable and can continue to offer affordable and accessible facilities to the general public well into the future.”

Cr Peter Murrihy, co-chair of the social and infrastructure planning portfolio, said golf was facing challenges and the council wanted to see the region’s public golf clubs remain competitive in the sport and leisure market.

“I encourage all golfers, club committee members and community members to have their say on this draft Golf Facilities Strategy for 2019-21, which aims to give locals and visitors access to affordable golf courses.”