Cammeray golfers accuse North Sydney Council of ‘elitism’ over plan to allow more sports on course
A plan that could see a popular suburban Sydney golf course repurposed for other sports has angered hundreds of golfers with claims a council is treating golf as an “elitist” sport.
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Golfers are teeing off against a council plan that could see the popular Cammeray Golf Club repurposed for more sporting activities with critics accusing the local government body of treating golf as an “elitist” sport.
Golf Australia and the PGA are among sporting bodies to take a swing at North Sydney Council over a contentious plan to enable more sports to use the golf club on the north shore.
The backlash centres on the council’s “open space and recreation strategy” which lists the golf club as a “high priority” for an investigation into alternative uses.
The report adds that there is a “large amount of open space land locked up from the community in its current form as the Cammeray Golf Course”.
The move has sparked concerns from many regular golfers who say the course provides important social interaction and exercise for hundreds of residents each week.
Golf Australia – in a submission to the council – said any loss of golfing greens at the 115-year-old site could be detrimental to the club’s 933 members.
“Cammeray Golf Club provides the opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the experience of golf, gaining the important physical and mental benefits the game provides,” it stated.
“It also connects people across the generations, where they can play together in groups, sometimes as family and friends and sometimes as four strangers, meeting for the first time to participate in an activity they love.
The plans come as other golf clubs have come under threat from local councils including Moore Park Golf Club, which is proposed to be reduced in size to make way for new parklands.
Golf Australia and the PGA have questioned the demand for potential changes to the site, which is near other sporting facilities including at Primrose Park in Cremonre, and Cammeray’s Tunks and Green parks.
More than 300 residents have written to the council to oppose its strategy, with some accusing it of treating golf as “an elitist sport”.
A council report stated it would consult with the community to develop a masterplan for Cammeray Park that increased opportunities for multi-use and addresses community demand for active and passive recreation.
“North Sydney has an open space deficit, and it is critical that we manage the space that we have in a way that provides the greatest benefits to the North Sydney community,” the report stated.
“The action included in the strategy does not specify the outcome for Cammeray Park as this will be the subject of further consultation as the masterplan is developed.
“Golf course members and the broader North Sydney community are encouraged to provide their input on specific uses as part of the future consultation undertaken to inform the masterplan.”
Cammeray Golf Club is estimated to contribute $9.6m to the local economy each year and supports activities such as charity days and junior golfing programs.
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Originally published as Cammeray golfers accuse North Sydney Council of ‘elitism’ over plan to allow more sports on course
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