Morack Golf: Whitehorse Council reveals plans for $9.7m course redevelopment

A golf course in Melbourne’s east is set to get new attractions in a big redevelopment, but there’s one thing regular users want kept.

An artist's impression of the new pavilion planned at Vermont South's Morack Golf. Picture: Whitehorse Council.

Adventure mini golf and a state-of-the-art driving range are part of the plans to draw new users to a much-loved golf course in Melbourne’s east.

Whitehorse Council has revealed artist impressions and opened public consultation for a long-planned $9.74m redevelopment of Morack Golf in Vermont South.

The council originally set aside $7.23m funding when the facility’s future strategic plan was approved in 2017.

But it decided to inject another $2.51m of ratepayers’ money into the project’s budget in April, to ensure the new facilities could be profitable and deliver an “industry competitive customer experience”.

The proposed plans include a new clubhouse, function spaces and cafe, along with an 18-hole mini golf course, a revamped driving range with five extra bays, and 40 extra parking spaces.

An expanded and revamped driving range is part of proposed $9.7m overhaul of Morack Golf. Picture: Whitehorse Council.

The extra parking and new mini golf course will be built next to the clubhouse on parkland away from the current 18-hole golf course, which won’t be affected by the redevelopment.

Morack Blue Ladies Golf Club president Betty Waud said the plans were “progressive” and its existing facilities needed modernising.

But Ms Waud said she was concerned players would lose access to some of its usual club room facilities.

“I would like to see our club room facilities still be available to us, where we can bring our own lunch and have a cup of tea whenever we like,” she said.

“I hope our members feel comfortable and they can continue on and enjoy their golf and fellowship … that fellowship and friendship is well and truly part of the ladies group psyche.”

Councillor Raelene Carr, who has the course in her ward, said the overhaul was something she felt had been needed for a long time.

“A lot of residents have wanted to see an upgrade of the pavilion and for it to be a more modern place to go to,” she said.

“This needs to be up to speed because people are going elsewhere.”

Mayor Andrew Munroe said the mini golf course was needed to attract families and people from other demographics to Morack Golf.

“We’re bringing ourselves up to community expectations in terms of the golf course and its facilities,” he said.

“It will provide a positive financial benefit to the City of Whitehorse, but more than that, it will provide more opportunities beyond what exists today.

“It’s important as we come out of Covid that we provide recreational opportunities for our community.”

The first of three online information sessions will be held on Thursday, with community consultation closing on October 25.