Backswing: controversial call on Northcote Golf Course

During last year’s lockdown people were cutting holes in Northcote Golf Course’s fences to get inside, but now the council has made a ruling on public access.

A Melbourne council that encouraged people to enjoy themselves at a golf course during the snap lockdown has backtracked on its advice and declared the site out of bounds.

Northcote Golf Course became a popular picnic spot in last year’s extended lockdown, with people flocking to the fairways by slipping in through holes cut in the fence.

Residents keen to return to the course were celebrating on Sunday after being told it was being made ‘safe for everyone’.

Heading out to Northcote golf course during lockdown 3.0? Let's make sure it's safe for all:
🐩 Dogs on leads
💩 Pick up after your pup
🏖️ Stay out of bunkers and soft greens
♻️ Take your rubbish with you
😷 Maintain social distancing
😄 Enjoy yourself!#BeCleanBeSafeBeKind pic.twitter.com/q1Y6OciRcd

— City of Darebin (@CityofDarebin) February 14, 2021

But 24 hours later Darebin Council retracted its advice and warned people not to trespass or vandalise the course’s fence.

The council’s statement on social media on Monday afternoon read: “The space is not available for community access”.

It signalled a change of heart from its post on Sunday, which made no mention of the course being off limits and said talks were underway with the lease owner (Leisure Management Services) “to ensure the space is safe for everyone in this brief lockdown”.

Sunday’s post advised people to keep dogs on leads, take rubbish with them and ‘enjoy yourself’.

Northcote Golf Course became a popular spot for people to have picnics and walk their dogs during the 2020 lockdown.

A photo shared by Reclaim Northcote Golf Course For Public Open Space Facebook page.

The U-turn on Monday divided opinions, with multiple people teeing off at the council for what they described as a “gutless” and “disappointing” decision.

Others were in favour of locking people out, including one person who wrote: “Well done. It’s only taken you six months to stand up and tell them to get lost.”

A Facebook Page called ‘Reclaim Northcote Golf Course For Public Open Space’ was on the weekend sharing pictures of holes in fences and encouraging people to come down during the lockdown.

Darebin mayor Lina Messina said the current contract with Leisure Management Services was to operate the course for golf only and there was no provision in the contract for any shared or non-golf uses.

She said a report due in March would review the future use of the course.

“No decisions about the future of the course will be made without giving the community a chance to have their say,” she said.

Leisure Management Services has been contacted for comment.

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