Premier under fire for dismissive comments on Moore Park golf course
Premier Chris Minns has sparked outrage for suggesting a public consultation process underway on the future of Moore Park golf course is little more than window dressing.
Premier Chris Minns has sparked outrage for suggesting a public consultation process underway on the future of Moore Park golf course is little more than window dressing.
The Daily Telegraph revealed on Wednesday updated plans from a golf industry alliance that would see a championship 18-hole layout retained and 20 hectares of additional recreational parkland created in the surrounding precinct.
But Mr Minns dismissed the proposal, indicating he will forge ahead with plans to gut the course and strip it back to just nine holes.
“State governments are criticised for not making decisions, having endless negotiations… we’ve got to press ahead,” he said.
“I’m not sticking … my finger up at those people who want the government to change its position. But we’ve considered alternative plans and we think this is the right one for the city.”
His comments have left key observers gobsmacked given the government is open to feedback on its plans until November 24.
Jared Kendler, spokesman for the Moore Park Golf Collective – made up of Golf Australia, PGA of Australia, Golf NSW and the Moore Park Golf Club – said the group’s new masterplan was solid, and delivered on all government requirements.
“We are hopeful the government is genuine in its desire for consultation,” he said. “In saying that … we have doubts now on whether they truly want to hear what the community has to say.
“We have submitted alternative plans that show there is a better way. So it is disappointing the Premier has not taken the time, or responded to any requests, to meet personally.
“At the end of the day the government is a fiduciary for the people and we hope they remember that as we move forward.”
State Labor MP Lynda Voltz has been an outspoken critic of party colleagues for pursuing “land grabs” at both Moore Park and the Carnarvon golf course in her Auburn electorate.
“What kind of consultation are they going to get at Moore Park given the experience we’ve had at Carnarvon?” she said, adding the only option was to fight for fairness.
“It’s unfortunate it’s my own government but you’ve just got to make it as unpalatable as possible for them to go ahead.”
Randwick councillor Andrew Hay said more transparency was required and questioned why the government was moving in a direction that could negatively impact the state’s coffers.
“Has the government taken any time to consider the possible consequences of this move?” he said.
“Apart from alienating the local community, which has been incredibly united against shrinking Moore Park, this golf course generates more than $15 million a year.
“That represents half the funding required for 125 different fields, tracks and venues across 35 sports in the surrounding Moore Park-Centennial Park area.
“But if the Moore Park course was reduced to just nine holes, very few people would play there, and the obvious extension of that is plummeting profitability.
“That means a dramatic reduction in funds available for maintenance across (Centennial Parklands).”
Councillor Hay, whose council is opposed to shrinking the course, also said a garbage incinerator previously operated on the site and government could be facing massive remediation costs.
“There are potential environmental hazards on that site,” he added. “So we would need to see significant core samples drilled, and extensive study done, before any large scale earthworks are undertaken.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Premier under fire for dismissive comments on Moore Park golf course
Join the conversation
Perth Bears hit the honey pot with $6m jersey deal
Read more
4000 bookings: Hospitality king makes a splash in Sydney
Read more