Geelong council to vote on lease of Balyang golf course site for 21 years

The City of Greater Geelong is looking to meet disgruntled members of a local golf course in the middle as it recommends a redevelopment that includes a requirement to maintain the status quo.

At least two groups have already expressed interest in redeveloping the Balyang par three golf course site in Newtown.

The modernisation of golfing facilities on a prime piece of land nearby the Barwon River is edging closer as City Hall prepares to put the call out for redevelopment proposals.

Councillors will debate at their Tuesday night meeting whether to approve a recommendation to launch a “request for proposal” process that would see the Balyang par three golf course site leased for up to 21 years.

It is also recommended that any proposal include a par three course of at least nine holes.

Two parties have already flagged their interest in redeveloping the site, including the Sharp Group that owns the Curlewis golf course and driving range.

The other group, Infiniti Golf, wants to build a three-level driving bay and mini golf course as part of its $15m plans.

A render of the Infiniti Golf facility proposed for the site of the par three Balyang golf course in Newtown. Source: Lachlan Shepherd Architects.

It is unclear whether the requirement to retain a par three component will affect either parties’ interest.

A public consultation process elicited 31 responses, including one from member Troy Freeman who has headed the campaign to keep the current format.

Troy Freeman has spearheaded the campaign to retain the par 3 Balyang golf course. Picture: Alan Barber.

The majority of submissions supported the leasing of the land to enable a redevelopment that must maintain golf as the core product.

Currently managed by the City of Greater Geelong, the operation lost $280,000 in the 2023/24 financial year, a result consistent with previous periods.

The course has 52 members who accounted for 2359 visits in the past year, while green fee visitors accounted for 10,900 visits.

City Hall subsidises each visit by $21.25.

The annual cost of an adult membership at Balyang increased $13 to $438 in council’s draft budget, while a green fee round is priced at $16.50.

Council adopted its golf facilities strategy in November 2022 that committed to third-party management of not only Balyang, but also Lara and Queens Park golf clubs.

The strategy aims to keep council financially sustainable and ensure public access to golf courses remains.

Originally published as Geelong council to vote on lease of Balyang golf course site for 21 years