Arundel Hills Country Club installs warning signs after golfer attacked by kangaroo

A Gold Coast country club’s response to a vicious kangaroo attack has left golfers fearing it’s only a matter of time before another takes place.

Kangaroo warning signs have been erected at a Gold Coast golf course after a spate of attacks including one which put an elderly woman in hospital.

It comes as a rogue roo believed responsible for several of the attacks continues to stalk golfers at Arundel Hills Country Club, and after Workplace Health and Safety Queensland launched an investigation.

The woman, 69, was attacked by a large kangaroo while playing at the course, near Southport, on April 29.

A kangaroo approaches two golfers at Arundel Hills Country Club. Picture: Adam Head

Paramedics said she suffered ‘significant lacerations’ to her face, arms and legs after the ‘roo attacked ‘without warning’ as the woman was on the fairway.

“She’s fallen to the ground at that first kick and when she’s been on the ground, she’s been stomped a number of times by the kangaroo,” Queensland Ambulance Service operations supervisor Joel McEwan said at the time.

The lady golfer was treated at Pindara Private Hospital before being released.

It followed a spate of attacks including one in which a male golfer had to defend himself with a sand wedge and then dive through the clubhouse window to escape a marauding ‘roo.

An elderly woman was attacked by a rogue kangaroo in April while playing at Arundel Hills Country Club. Picture: Adam Head

Warning signs have now gone up on the course but one golfer said only two had been erected and not enough was being done to prevent more attacks.

“The signs say ‘don’t approach the kangaroos’ but it’s the ‘roos approaching us, not the other way around,” he said.

“We’re still being stalked and menaced on the course. It’s scary, and only a matter of time before another serious attack takes place.”

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has been in discussions with the club over how to manage the issue.

Arundel Hills Country Club. Picture: Glenn Hampson

In a statement, a WHSQ spokesman said there were a number of factors to consider, but patron safety was paramount.

“Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is making inquiries into this rare but frightening incident,” the statement said.

“In line with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, the business owner is being approached to see what plans and procedures are in place for patron safety, particularly with respect to wildlife.”

After the attack on the 69-year-old woman, Arundel Hills management said it was ‘deeply saddened (by) … this extremely rare and unusual incident’.

“However it is important to remember that this is also the kangaroo’s home, and we will do our best to ensure our coexistence in the future,” the spokesman said.