Fears over troubled Rossdale Golf Club’s land sale push

Hundreds of bayside homes could be built on a failed golf course if a controversial rezoning plan goes ahead in Aspendale.

Rossdale Golf Club’s future was in jeopardy in 2014.

Hundreds of bayside homes could be built on a failed golf course if a controversial rezoning plan goes ahead in Melbourne’s southeast.

Rossdale Golf Club, a privately owned and run business in Aspendale, has faced serious financial pressures for years with closure fears dating back to 2014.

In the past four years, the club welcomed 1100 new members but retained less than 40 per cent due to price increases, course conditions and outdated facilities.

In 2017, the club was pushed to the limit when a former bookkeeper was jailed after she stole $331,855 to fund her gambling addiction.

Hundreds of members fled the club with one board member resigning due to the huge financial burden.

The club was also affected by significant storm damage and strict Covid lockdown rules, forcing it to the brink of ruin.

Now, the club is pushing to close the 43.5ha course in order to rezone the land and sell it for residential development.

Dennis Cunningham and Alan Wright, both 93, have fond memories playing at the course. Picture: Chris Eastman

In a statement on the club’s website, a spokesman said there was no other choice.

“The amount of money required to upgrade the current facilities, pay back debts and operate the club at a competitive standard is above what the club can borrow and repay,” he said.

“Even if the club were able to achieve the maximum potential at this site, it would not be financially viable.

“The club has resolved that it has no choice other than to exit the Aspendale site, sell the land and use the proceeds to find a new home.”

It comes as the club’s latest financial report revealed it had lost close to $500,000 in the two years to March 2022.

The spokesman said the vision was to transform the site into a “vibrant new precinct” with open spaces and facilities.

“This may include residential dwellings, community centres and recreation facilities, bike paths and walking tracks, gardens and an expanded Edithvale Wetlands,” he said.

“The new potential development will become an iconic site for Aspendale, enhance the local natural environment, create jobs and deliver community facilities.”

But City of Kingston mayor Hadi Saab said council had serious concerns about the club’s current approach.

He said it was “premature” to presume the site was appropriate to be rezoned for residential development.

Rossdale Golf Club professional Steve Lipovas teeing up a ball. Picture: Chris Eastman

“This site has been a golf course since 1926, adding much to the environmental and social values of our community, and a proper process must be followed to carefully consider its future before any decisions are made that would result in a financial gain from the sale of land,” Mr Saab said.

“Council is geared up to speak on behalf of our community, to make sure proper planning principles and processes are followed, provide important local knowledge and ensure decisions on the site’s future are not rushed.”

It’s believed no formal plans had been submitted to council as of Wednesday morning.

Mr Saab said ultimately the final decision sat with the state government.

“There are other more suitable sites across Kingston that could be rezoned if a housing shortfall emerges in the future,” he said.

“With the very significant environmental challenges we face, our golf courses are key to tackling climate change and any changes should be very carefully considered.”

It’s understood the golf course was zoned Special Use Zone 1 and any proposal for rezoning would need to demonstrate compliance with the Planning Guidelines for the Conversion of Golf Course Land to Other Purposes.

A planning scheme amendment would be required for any residential development of the site with the City of Kingston holding the planning authority.

A government spokesman said: “The Minister for Planning has not received any request for a planning scheme amendment to facilitate the redevelopment of this site”.

It’s expected the club will submit a rezone request later this year.