Works to get you moving

WORK has teed off on two major projects at Lara Golf Course that are set to be a hole-in-one for its almost 300 active members.

We’re investing $3.4 million into our region’s most affordable golf course to ensure it remains sustainable, and a destination for local golfers well into the future.

The first of these two Council-funded projects is a more than $1 million upgrade of the course’s driving range and pro shop, which began last October.

These works include a new pro shop building and a new tee-off area with several undercover bays.

Crews finished slab pours and steel frames prior to Christmas and works are forecast for completion next month.

Once complete, these upgrades will give members the chance to take their fairway game and their gear to a ‘hole’ new level, as their beloved course gets an upgrade too.

On January 5, we began upgrades to course irrigation in line with the feasibility study into long-term sustainable water solutions for the course.

These works are a part of the $2.4m million in water security upgrades alongside drainage and dam remediation works already completed.

We timed these works to allow golfers to enjoy the entire course over the holiday period, with the first nine holes and driving range now closed until May.

Play on the second nine holes will be impacted later in the year, and we’ll continue to work with Lara Golf Club to keep members updated, while signage will notify casual golfers.

I know these closures will be inconvenient in the short-term, but they’re essential for the long-term future of this course.

And as we bring the course’s irrigation up to par for future needs, we’ve also just finished talking to some of our younger residents about the popular but outdated playground at Chirnside Park.

Community engagement for potential upgrades to this playground closed last weekend, and I loved seeing some very creative designs from local kids, including two illustrations featuring crocodile waterslides!

City officers will now get snappy and analyse the responses, and your ideas and feedback will help shape a master plan to make the park more accessible, practical and enjoyable for everyone.

Once complete, the master plan will guide future improvements and help us apply for funding to make these upgrades a reality.

And, of course, it’s always wonderful to see when community infrastructure projects come to life.

Last December I had the privilege of attending Lara Swimming Club with my colleague, Councillor Anthony Aitken, for the opening of the club’s new accessibility deck, pergola and ramp at their clubrooms.

The deck and pergola are named after life member Greg Andrews, who was one of the most influential and dedicated members in the club’s history before his passing in 2023.

These features ensure everyone in our community can use the pool – Geelong’s oldest aquatic centre – with ease.

Council funded this project via two Community Infrastructure Grants totalling more than $240,000, while Community Bank Lara District Bendigo Bank and Lara Swimming Club contributed $35,000 and $5,000 respectively.

These three projects have one thing in common – they’re all aimed at keeping our community active, healthy and happy, which, as a Council, is central to everything we do.