Labor MP Lynda Voltz breaks ranks to call for golf courses to be protected

A Labor MP who is campaigning against moves to chop up Moore Park golf course and demolish the Carnarvon layout at Lidcombe to make way for a cemetery, has voiced her views in a parliamentary speech.

Labor’s Lynda Voltz is fast becoming the poster politician for golfers across Sydney.

The Auburn MP broke ranks with the Minns government to say the Moore Park course should be spared the axe that would hack nine holes from the historic layout, while also campaigning to ensure Carnarvon Golf Club at Lidcombe is not demolished for cemetery space.

In Parliament she has now put her views on the record, teeing off against moves to undermine the sport during a welcome back speech after the holiday break.

“In a growing city like Sydney there has been a severe lack of planning … around Western Sydney airport and other places,” Ms Voltz said.

“We know about the schools and hospitals, but a raft of infrastructure like churches, temples, mosques and cemeteries was not included in that planning process.

Auburn MP Lynda Voltz has spoken out in parliament about the importance of golf courses.

Ms Voltz says Carnarvon Golf Club is under threat, as is the Moore Park course.

“At the end of the day, a golf course (Carnarvon) that is approaching its centenary in two years’ time … that is the largest sporting precinct in my electorate, is not extra space to be handed over to a cemetery to make up for the past failed efforts of governments and their lack of planning for cemetery space.

“The golf course and others around Sydney seem to be easy pickings for government, but they are fundamentally important.

“They make a huge difference to the health of our communities. Talking about preventative health, 40 per cent of it comes from sport and exercise.”

Ms Voltz admits to having a “very robust discussion” with Steve Kamper, Minister for Lands and Property and Sport, when the potential cemetery bombshell landed.

She believes golf should be celebrated, not diminished, across NSW, a position welcomed by the sport’s supporters and a Moore Park Collective fighting against plans to kill off the southern half of their course.

“There are not many sports that people can play from the cradle to the grave,” Ms Voltz told the House.

“Swimming, tennis and golf … they are the sports making a difference from the day a person is born to the day they die.

“We have 95-year-old golfers who turn up for three rounds of golf every year.

“When we are concerned about mental health, isolation and the loneliness epidemic, we do not give away our busiest community open spaces that are used by everybody.

“These golf courses and sporting precincts need to be protected.”

Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email [e-mail]