City tees up new management plan

THE City of Greater Geelong will step away from management of local golf course and invite local clubs and investors to pitch their ideas to take on the facilities.

Supporters say the move will open new opportunities for clubs to improve and take ownership of the courses, but opponents argue that the city should be providing more financial support for the popular recreation activity to keep it within reach of punters.

The city will implement “alternative management models” of three courses it now fully or partially operates: Balyang Par 3, Lara and Queens Park golf courses.

The city said it would continue to support tenant clubs in areas such as governance and performance reviews after stepping away from day-to-day management, which it said would save ratepayer money while maintaining public access to the courses.

The approach will align with other council-owned facilities – at Barwon Valley, Ocean Grove, Clifton Springs and East Geelong – where the council owns the facilities but outsources operation to tenant clubs.

The city would also finalise a long-term lease at Clifton Springs and lower the rent for East Geelong Golf Club in a bid to provide fair deals and long-term security.

Cr Kylie Gryzbek backed the plan, which she said would empower local clubs to improve their offerings to players across the region.

“Clubs want to run these themselves and they think, frankly, they could do a better job. That’s something we should give a go.”

Cr Anthony Aitken said the new strategy presented new commercial opportunities for prospective investors, such as a driving range/mini golf and entertainment facility at the Balyang course that could diversify what was on offer across Geelong.

“What’s been missing from our golf facilities is that entrepreneurial spirit, and this strategy gives a chance for that to occur.”

Cr Ron Nelson objected to the strategy and feared a privatised management model at popular courses such as Queens Park could make the sport less accessible.

“No one has said to me that it’s a great thing to get out of golf, but plenty have said to me that it’s terrible… because it won’t be affordable.”