Albert Park Golf Course fights back against plan to cut course in half

GOLFERS have fought back over plans to cut their inner-city course in half by proposing a suite of changes to improve and open up Albert Park better to the public.

Steve Zakic, Ron Angove, Tony Gay, Brian McCarthy, Sally Diserio, Neville Carridice, Tim Turner and Conrad Groen want Albert Park Golf Course saved. Picture: Nicki Connolly

GOLFERS have fought back over plans to cut their inner-city course in half by proposing a suite of changes to improve and open up Albert Park better to the public.

A new shared public event zone, Sunday market space, pedestrian walkways and mini golf precinct have been proposed in a compromise deal by Albert Park Golf Course chiefs.

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The Herald Sun recently revealed a Parks Victoria plan to carve up the popular 18-hole course, potentially reducing it to nine holes and restricting use of cars in the area.

But a golf club submission to the State Government suggests reducing it from 18 holes would irreversibly damage rare sporting facilities and tourism.

“The 18-hole golf course provides a valuable community hub, and is much loved and used by charities, social groups and competitive golfers,’’ the submission said.

Albert Park Golf Course would be carved up under the plan.

“To remove the 18-hole golf course would leave a gaping hole in the heart of Melbourne’s golfing community, and remove one of the most important golf courses in the country.’’

The submission, sent to golf-loving Premier Daniel Andrews as well as Parks Victoria, claims the course will become congested and less appealing if cut to nine holes.

It said altering the current 18-hole structure would short-change charities such as the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation, which conduct fundraisers on its fairways.

The club encourages shared use of the course, including a community space that could be booked by groups, and walking paths with plaques outlining local history, flora and fauna highlights. It also suggested building pedestrian footbridges and removing an “ugly linear fence along Queens Rd”.

More than 4000 people have, in about three weeks, signed a petition calling for the 18-hole course to be retained.

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Lakeside Golf Club member Brian McCarthy said the course was one of the most popular in the state, but the Parks Victoria plan could reduce it by up to 75 per cent.

“This plan replaces an active exercise area with a passive exercise area. People who want to go sit down and read a book should do it at Fawkner Park,’’ he said.

“Golf is great exercise and a good place to catch up with friends and make new ones.”

Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the golf club’s submission would be considered as part of redevelopment considerations.

“This is an important draft plan and one that we are determined to get right — that’s why we’ve asked the community for their input,” she said.

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