By Helen Tatchell<\/p>\n
On 23 April 1907 the Bacchus Marsh Golf Club was formed. 111-years later on Monday 10 December 2018, the club was looking at options to survive.
\nIn debt to the tune of just under $2 million, the club\u2019s volunteer Board members, of just three-years, spoke to neighbours of the course at a \u2018community consultation\u2019 meeting, that included a proposal for a 40-strong boutique housing development by Villawood Properties.
\nGolf Club President Tom Svaljek told the meeting of around 60 people that \u201cif we don\u2019t proceed, we don\u2019t exist\u201d.
\nVillawood Properties Executive Director Rory Costelloe said they understand small communities and have a serious reputation that spans 20-years, with 20 industry awards to boast.
\n\u201cWe started this business in 1989 and have developments far and wide across the state, from Moama to Warrnambool.
\n\u201cWe engage with communities. People don\u2019t like change but sometimes change has to occur,\u201d he said.
\nTreasurer of the Golf Club Matt Grigg said the club approached Villawood Properties and the proposal is for a partial re-zoning of the land for residential purposes.
\n\u201cThe last 15-years the club has faced many challenges and financial instability. This new Board wants to improve the viability of the club.
\n\u201cNothing has been finalised or submitted in regard to the development proposal, this is just a Concept Plan,\u201d he said.
\nMr Grigg went on to say, \u201cthe current situation now; there is no alternative\u201d.
\n\u201cThis proposed development allows us to be debt free and improve and enhance the venue.\u201d
\nMr Costelloe however had a grim statement to the gallery of property owners and neighbours.
\n\u201cIf the proposal by Villawood Properties does not go ahead and the golf club closes, you won\u2019t have 40-blocks, you will have a developer who will come in and build 400-houses.\u201d
\nThe direct impact on property owners who border the course along the 10th fairway is 12, according to Mr Costelloe.
\nMajor concerns by those in attendance were varied, including \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t council help out, I pay my rates?\u201d; \u201ccan we get a valuation before and after to see if it drops?\u201d; \u201cCouncil put in a $4million walking track that got washed away, why don\u2019t they help?\u201d; \u201cLived here 18-years, know and heard about debt, who can we trust this won\u2019t happen again?\u201d; then there was a concern with the native animals, birdlife and the trees, along with the health and wellbeing of those affected.
\nMr Svaljek asked for a constructive solution.
\n\u201cIf we don\u2019t proceed with something on this course, the whole parcel of land will be developed.
\n\u201cIt is not our desire to go down this path. The club has been going backwards for years and as volunteers, we are trying to get the debt down. Without financing the debt we have, we can\u2019t move forward,\u201d he said.
\nMr Grigg was asked what caused the debt.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s a combination. The Annual Report is available to read. Council have been helpful and are one of our main debtors, we owe $480,000 in rates. Bendigo Bank is another major debtor. We don\u2019t want to borrow the money,\u201d he said.
\nRecent golf clubs in Victoria that have closed and sold to developers include Horsham and The Sands at Torquay.
\n\u201cThe Geelong Golf Club was the second oldest club, not on residential land, and was sold,\u201d Mr Svaljek said.
\nA report in The Age (24 June 2017) stated of the 374 golf clubs in Victoria, half were in financial stress with eight clubs closed.
\n\u201cWe are happy to look at alternatives. The bank wants a solution, it\u2019s at the end of its tether\u201d Mr Costelloe concluded.
\n\u201cVillawood is the last chance,\u201d Mr Grigg said.<\/p>\n
BACKGROUND
\nThe Bacchus Marsh Golf Club website states members began a long battle to establish facilities for local golfers. Until 1972 members struggled at several sites including Racecourse Reserve, which is Crown land. Lack of water in the dry climate, and no land to call their own meant that golf was played on sand scrape greens only during the winter months.
\nThe members\u2019 decision to buy their own land in Links Road was momentous. $40,000 was raised for the purchase of 120 acres (approx. 50 hectares) of picturesque Lerderderg River front land, including vital irrigation rights.
\n(A small group of members opposed to the move, formed a new club and stayed at the Racecourse, now the Bacchus Marsh West Golf Club.)
\nLed by then club president, the late Tom Swan, the small band of enthusiastic members worked at weekends; planting hundreds of trees, helping to build the new course. A sparse landscape was gradually transformed into the 18-hole course of today. Opening day was held on March 24 1974, when members and guests joined in the celebrations with 246 players competing in the first event.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Helen Tatchell On 23 April 1907 the Bacchus Marsh Golf Club was formed. 111-years later on Monday 10 December 2018, the club was looking at options to survive. In debt to the tune of just under $2 million, the club\u2019s volunteer Board members, of just three-years, spoke to neighbours of the course at a […]<\/p>\n