Strathallan Golf Club faces uncertain future as La Trobe University decides not to extend lease

A GOLF club in Melbourne’s north is in danger of folding after La Trobe University decided not to extend the lease of its land.

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STRATHALLAN Golf Club could fold if its lease agreement with La Trobe University is not extended beyond 2018.

Club president Peter Roberts told members of the university’s decision not to extend the club’s lease beyond December 2018 in a letter seen by the Diamond Valley Leader.

Mr Roberts wrote that the decision “does not necessarily mean the demise of the golf club”, but described it as a “significant issue”.

“This is because the university is in the process of considering all use options for the land, although at this point it is yet to make a final decision,” Mr Roberts wrote.

“The decision of the university is not unexpected as a number of members have already heard, from various unconfirmed sources, of this decision.

“As a result, a subcommittee has been established to develop and implement a strategy primarily aimed at overturning the decision of the university.

“This will likely include seeking support for the club from a number of sources including state and federal parliamentarians, local councillors, community groups and the general public.”

Mr Roberts said the clubs plans to meet with the University to discuss the decision.

La Trobe University spokesman Tim Mitchell defended the decision and said the university had provided the club “ample time” to make alternative arrangements.

“Future plans for the land have not been finalised, but the university has decided it would be inappropriate to extend the golf club lease in case plans are finalised in the short term,” Mr Mitchell said.

“However, it is important to understand La Trobe has given Strathallan more than three-and-a-half-year’s notice of the end of its lease, which we believe is fair and ample time to allow the club to make alternative arrangements.

“We have also offered the club generous discounted lease terms on the site for the remainder of the lease.”

Leader has sought comment from the Strathallan Golf Club.