Albert Park out of bounds with plan to downsize called off

SPORTS fans have scored a victory over bureaucracy with the state government deciding not to slice a popular Melbourne golf course in half.

Marek, 20, Regan, 20, Jake, 22, Alex, 20 and Tom, 21 celebrate. Picture: TIM CARRAFA

SPORTS fans have scored a victory over bureaucracy with the state government deciding not to slice a popular Melbourne golf course in half.

Albert Park Golf Course will remain an 18-hole facility after Parks Victoria was swamped by community opposition to a move to make it just nine holes.

Parks Victoria will today announce it will scrap plans to shrink the size of the picturesque course in the wake of outrage from players.

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The Herald Sun last year ­revealed an Andrews Government blueprint to carve up the golf course and turn part of it into a “putt-putt’’ course for children and a major events space.

But, despite a master plan for the precinct still months away from being finalised, Parks Victoria will confirm the golf course is off limits due to strong community ­feedback.

Golf Victoria chief executive Simon Brookhouse said it was a win “now and in the ­future”.

“The future of the 18-hole golf course at Albert Park is ­secure,” he said.

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More than 2000 people responded to a community consultation about a proposed revamp of the precinct, 3km from Melbourne’s CBD.

Hole 15 at Albert Park Golf Course.

There has been strong ­public support for a new Albert Park lake promenade extending the current 4.7km trail to 5km with picnic and play areas, and fitness stations.

There is also support for more lighting around the lake promenade, greater sharing of fields and pavilions, use of ­synthetic surfaces and programming of sports to meet ­increasing demand.

Parks Victoria chief operating officer Simon Talbot said the golf course would be off limits to developers due to overwhelming demand. “We are delighted with the significant feedback that has been ­received — Parks Victoria is currently analysing all the feedback and will prepare a consultation report as the next step,” he said.

“We are looking forward to collaborating on the future of golf at Albert Park with Golf Victoria, Golf Australia and the broader community.”

More than six million people visit the park each year.

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