Council seeks feedback on golf course’s future

Geelong council wants ideas from the community about the future of Balyang Par 3 Golf Course as it begins to implement its withdrawal from direct golf course management in the region.

The City is seeking community feedback on its proposal to provide a lease of up to 21 years to a tenant club on the Marnock Road site

The council would continue to provide support to the new tenant club to set governance standards and monitor performance.

A City statement said concepts for the site could include expanded and upgraded clubhouse facilities, hospitality offerings, a driving range, a mini-golf course and entertainment features.

The proposal aligns with the council’s Golf Facilities Strategy, which was developed in consultation with Golf Australia and adopted in November 2022.

The strategy also includes finding alternative management options for Lara Golf Course and Queens Park Golf Course, which the council still partially operates.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the site had “outstanding potential” and he was “excited by the prospect of what it could become”.

“I am confident there is a great entrepreneurial spirit within our region and that people will have some wonderful ideas to maximise the value of this space,” he said

Active Spaces portfolio chair Councillor Eddy Kontelj encouraged the community to visit the geelongaustralia.com.au/yoursay page.

“Golf facilities are moving towards having a focus on providing entertainment for everyone,” Cr Kontelj said.

“Fresh and innovative ideas are required to help transform this site into a space that offers something for a broader market.”