Mount Compass Golf Course gets $3m upgrade following planning stoush over housing development

The owner of a popular golf course at the centre of a planning stoush says he will push ahead with upgrade accommodation, bar and dining upgrades.

The owner of Mount Compass’s golf course says he will push ahead with plans for a $3m upgrade, after contentious changes to the area’s zoning were approved.

Capitoline Property managing director Stephen Connor said work could proceed on a new bar, casual dining area and renovation of the clubhouse’s ground floor.

The work also includes four bed and breakfast-style accommodation houses overlooking the course’s 15th fairway, a new private dining room at its Range Restaurant and other improvements.

Mr Connor said Planning Minister Josh Teague’s decision to rezone the area as “golf course estate” “solidifies the ongoing survival of Mount Compass Golf Course”.

Locals had squared up against Mr Connor, with both sides concerned about the future of the estate, which has homes bordering parts of the course, after changes made during a statewide planning shake-up last year.

The land was rezoned from “residential”, with limits on where housing development could happen, to “rural, recreation and neighbourhood”.

That sparked worries from Mr Connor that most of his land suffered a “horrendous” drop in value and would mean he might have to shut down the course.

He appealed for a change, prompting backlash from locals who were concerned at least part of the golf course itself could be carved up for more houses.

Steve Hayes, Steve Kappler and Bill Coomans at the site Mount Compass golf course estate. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

In September, Mr Connor said the government’s proposed fix – rezoning the area “golf course estate” – still would render much of his land virtually worthless.

But he now says a new “concept plan” introduced after the latest round of consultation would return the land’s value, providing security for investment into the golf course. He believes that under the new plan, housing development on the golf course would be allowed, even though the whole area is defined as open space.

“But I want to assure people that our intention is to keep running the golf course and make it as good as possible,” Mr Connor said.

However, the state government says under the new zoning, the open space can only be developed with buildings improving the course.

“We want to enable investment in complementary development which will improve the course’s amenities, such as a pro-shop or a clubhouse, for future generations of Mount Compass residents and visitors to enjoy,” Mr Teague said.

Steve Hayes, chair of the Mount Compass Community Association formed to oppose development on the golf course, said he while his group was seeking further details, he was optimistic the space would be protected.