Geelong council will seek tenders for the redevelopment of Balyang Par 3 Golf Course, with the proviso it retains at least nine holes of the existing pitch-and-putt course.
In accordance with its Golf Facilities Strategy, which sees the council divest itself of managing golf assets, the City invited expressions of interest for the lease and redevelopment of the site last August.
The announcement drew an immediate and passionate response from community members opposed to the loss of the course, including a petition to save it.
Councillor Anthony Aitken said the compromise offered by the council at Tuesday night’s meeting was “quite reasonable”.
“We still want to adhere to our original strategic objectives in terms of management of our golfing facilities, but we’ve listened to the community,” Cr Aitken said.
“We’ve now made it quite clear that any proposal that comes forward after tonight’s decision… we will make it that it requires a minimum of nine holes, and we’re stating that in the tender document. So Disneyland’s not going to be built on that particular site.”
Councillor Ron Nelson, who opposed the resolution to exit golf in 2022, thanked community members for speaking out to save a facility often used by older people, children and people with disabilities.
“What’s unique about (Balyang) is you can walk around the course with just two golf clubs… your putter and your wedge,” he said.
“For that reason, it’s a great place to learn the game. But we’ve really got an opportunity now to… create a unique blend of golf. Hopefully, it will be 18 holes, plus putting and a driving range (and) updated cafe facilities.”
