Children targeted in campaign to shut Northcote golfers out

Schoolchildren were sounded out for their opinion on Northcote golf course’s future — but one important fact was left out.

The Darebin council is attempting to impose a 3pm curfew at Northcote Public Golf Course. Picture: Jason Edwards

The controversial campaign to “unlock” Northcote golf course has been accused of using primary schoolchildren for political purposes.

Children as young as prep years were asked to draw their ideas for the space currently occupied by the nine-hole course.

An activity sheet was distributed by campaigners into five local primary schools asking children what ideas they had for the site. They were collected and given to Darebin council.

However, the map on the activity sheet did not mention the space was a current golf course.

And it has also emerged that at least one school was not aware the project had landed on school desks, and ordered for it to be removed.

The activity sheet given to primary school children regarding the future of the Northcote golf course.

The council confirmed it had considered 700 kids’ activity sheets as part of its community consultation.

Northcote Hub spokeswoman and golfer Julie Williams said schools had been used by a local movement wanting to close the course.

“Using kids like this for political purposes is terrible,’’ Ms Williams said.

“It’s exploiting children and presenting their work to a forum (council meeting) as a community consultation.

“It’s not appropriate to be going behind principals’ and parents’ backs to try to get their view out.’’

Some residents want to claim or “unlock” the course land, after the fairways and greens became available for picnics and walks during Melbourne’s pandemic lockdowns.

Justin Calvelrey tees off with his sons, Benjamin and Samuel. Picture: Jason Edwards

Darebin council held several months of community consultations, culminating in a compromise deal to shorten the course and slice off 5.72ha of land from the existing space for public park.

But independent councillor Susan Rennie, backed by Greens deputy mayor Trent McCarthy, introduced a last-ditch proposal for a 3pm curfew on golfers.

“Golf is not played there much at all would be my observation, based on the empty carpark most of the time,” Cr Rennie told a council meeting.

The golfing community said the 3pm curfew was impractical and financially unviable and Golf Australia boss James Sutherland described the idea as “ludicrous”.

Darebin mayor Lina Messina said the 3pm proposal was “just a suggestion” that would be examined by officers who would provide a briefing to councillors.

Northcote golf course is set to have more than 5ha reallocated for public use. Picture: Jason Edwards

The proposed provision of 5.72ha of land would create parkland the equivalent size of about 160 house blocks, Cr Messina said.

“We need to look at what makes economic, social and environmental sense.’’

The state government has also offered $200,000 to Darebin for design and improvements to the course.

Northcote Labor MP Kat Theophanous said the government offer was based on the principle of retaining a viable nine-hole golf course.

“So the question is whether the course is viable if it closes at 3pm.

“It needs to be looked at and if it affects the viability of a golf course on that site.’’

The majority of people wanted golf to remain in some form or another, she said.

A government spokeswoman confirmed the $200,000 offer was still on the table.

The funding, if accepted, would also help pay for a new walking and cycle path from Warrk-warrk Bridge to Normanby Ave, as well as any clubroom improvements to support community use.