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  1. #176
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    Golf Australia has a dedicated body within its organisational structure specifically for these types of issues, the Australian Golf Industry Council, which was formed in 2006

    www.golf.org.au/agic

    One of their major objectives is to:

    "On behalf of the Australian Golf Industry, influence local,
    state and federal governments to understand the
    importance of golf to local communities and provide more
    support and funding"

    They are pretty much useless....

  2. #177
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    Quote Originally Posted by Webster View Post
    Golf Australia has a dedicated body within its organisational structure specifically for these types of issues, the Australian Golf Industry Council, which was formed in 2006

    www.golf.org.au/agic

    One of their major objectives is to:

    "On behalf of the Australian Golf Industry, influence local,
    state and federal governments to understand the
    importance of golf to local communities and provide more
    support and funding"

    They are pretty much useless....
    I’m sure their annual conferences are a hoot though

  3. #178
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    Quote Originally Posted by PerryGroves View Post
    The local district association, not sure we even have one but OK, it worked in the case you stated.
    I am sure You must be in a district... does your club play in Pennant?
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  4. #179
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    Quote Originally Posted by markTHEblake View Post
    I am sure You must be in a district... does your club play in Pennant?
    Nepean district golf association died off a long time ago. Wallacia just play in Sydney pennants..

  5. #180
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    Quote Originally Posted by markTHEblake View Post
    I am sure You must be in a district... does your club play in Pennant?
    its different in the city, hence my point about the one time example as a template for solving problems.

  6. #181
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    The Wallacia saga is not over yet 👍

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j9u...w?usp=drivesdk
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  7. #182
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    Quote Originally Posted by Minor_Threat View Post
    Nepean district golf association died off a long time ago. Wallacia just play in Sydney pennants..
    Which means thats the district association they are in
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    Quote Originally Posted by markTHEblake View Post
    Which means thats the district association they are in
    Which is GOLFNSW..
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  9. #184
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    Ok ! Interesting
    Golf NSW should spend some of their loot.
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  10. #185
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    Golf Map | WITB: Titleist TSR3 9* / Titleist 917F 3W 13.5* / PING G430 5W 17* / Titleist T100S 4I - PW / Vokey SM9 50-8*, 55-10*, 60-10* / PING Sigma2 Kushin C 35.5" / Titleist ProV1

  11. #186
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    MT, I note below in the comments that the club was sold to Panthers, presumably they were losing money and the big club takeover was seen as a lifeline? Unfortunately the big clubs are just tax free property developers.

    If the cemetery proposal gets shelved, Panthers will come back with something else to release the value of the land.

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    It's a huge saga mate.

    The members voted for Panthers to take over around 2001. Panthers made huge promises of a course rededign, new club house and carpark. From this they got basically 4 new holes, that have messed the flow of the course up. Panthers wanted the pokie licenses.

    It gets sketchy after this. Fairly recently Panthers sold to some developer (part of Panthers 'click'). The Wallacia board and members were not told about the sale.

    This developer then sold to St John's Park bowlo, who have been in talks with Catholics.

    This is the basic run of events. The main premise being the members were unaware of most of what was going on in the background until recently.
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  13. #188
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    Victoria Park in Brisbane to close on June 30th to become parkland.

    https://www.golfindustrycentral.com....ublic-parkland

  14. #189
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    I was wondering when they were going to announce a date for that. I'm glad I got a last round in there a few months ago, but won't really miss the course.

  15. #190
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    Quote Originally Posted by Minor_Threat View Post
    It's a huge saga mate.

    The members voted for Panthers to take over around 2001. Panthers made huge promises of a course rededign, new club house and carpark. From this they got basically 4 new holes, that have messed the flow of the course up. Panthers wanted the pokie licenses.

    It gets sketchy after this. Fairly recently Panthers sold to some developer (part of Panthers 'click'). The Wallacia board and members were not told about the sale.

    This developer then sold to St John's Park bowlo, who have been in talks with Catholics.

    This is the basic run of events. The main premise being the members were unaware of most of what was going on in the background until recently.
    Was a member for a year here about this time as some friends wanted to get into regular play and this was deemed central. Never renewed as the mess started to unfold soon after.

    The Ross Watson design and grand plans had promise but lead to little and ultimately a compromised course and club on the continual decline. Sure it's wasn't an amazing track prior but it had some good holes and on the whole was playable, was cheap and easy to get a game on for everyone and served as a connection point in the community which has little else except the pub.

  16. #191
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    Quote Originally Posted by pt73 View Post
    Victoria Park in Brisbane to close on June 30th to become parkland.

    https://www.golfindustrycentral.com....ublic-parkland
    Minnippi is still looking a fair way off being finished. They are saying end of 21, early 22, but I can't see it on the progress todate.

  17. #192
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    No, they must not let this happen to one of the best courses we have here in SA ☹️
    https://www.victorharbortimes.com.au...cVh9OsqLMPThkQ

  18. #193
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    Interesting situation that.

    This land is privately owned and the owner owes nothing to others, Whilst there is always a risk buying land for future development, if a council changes zoning on someones property that depreciate its value then they should fairly compensate.
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  19. #194
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    Quote Originally Posted by nadg63 View Post
    No, they must not let this happen to one of the best courses we have here in SA ☹️https://www.victorharbortimes.com.au...cVh9OsqLMPThkQ
    Reads a bit like what has happened to Paradise Palms here in Cairns.

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  20. #195
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    And they've been advertising those new subdivisions telling people they will be on living overlooking a golf course

    Compass got too big for their boots and lost two members, at least, through thinking they could hike their fees up considerably because they hit the top 100 courses in Oz. They were never in a position to be changing the economic dynamic, especially to those that came down from Adelaide.

    I never want to see any golf course close, and it would be a shame because Compass is a fantastic course, but as he said there's no money in it, probably least of all for a course in that location, and really it's the owners decision what he wants to do with it taking into account council permissions of course.

  21. #196
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    Quote Originally Posted by nadg63 View Post
    No, they must not let this happen to one of the best courses we have here in SA ☹️
    https://www.victorharbortimes.com.au...cVh9OsqLMPThkQ
    Wow.
    New owner only bought the course with the intention of turning the the whole thing into housing. Well that the way it reads to me.
    Keeping it running has been a big con on those looking to buy those blocks sub divided along the Par 5 15th only to find later down the track they will lose their lovely view over the course to more housing.
    I can see the course being up for sale again if this guy can't break it all up for hosing or will just walk away and the great course will be lost anyway.
    It's a big course and would be costing a fair bit to run and maintain. They don't have a large membership that pays for this and rely massively on Visitor $. Be an obsolete shame to see it close down but on the same hand struggle to see how it stays viable as a business.
    Hit Them Well or Hit Them Often

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  22. #197
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    The article does state that Mr. Connor would support a golf course estate rezoning. I assume that means he can sub divide land right along (and around) the border of the golf course.

    Not sure how easy that’s gonna be, might end up being another Lady Bay tragedy, blocks of unsold land for 20 years.


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  23. #198
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    Just received an email from Stephen Connor "Manager" of the Mt Compass Golf Course asking to support the course by sending a letter (see here: https://mcgc.com.au/?_hsmi=140603408&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_oNUDAqNwPRWHvvDitB4BoecigfMDNAo7UwI3O9tDS6VzhqjBG i5fNDYx9GbN_GixvBgUggk332Dz0ok0tHnlY7t2FbQ&utm_con tent=140603408#homeslider ), back to the relevant MP to show support for changing the zone from "rural and recreation or, Golf Course Estate" back to "residential". That said, he claims "We do not wish to sell this land, and we have no intention of redeveloping the golf course beyond sale of surplus land that has already been approved if the golf course remains viable."

    He's basically saying, help me protect the course by allowing me to build houses on it, right?

  24. #199
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hard_Pan View Post
    Just received an email from Stephen Connor "Manager" of the Mt Compass Golf Course asking to support the course by sending a letter (see here: https://mcgc.com.au/?_hsmi=140603408&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_oNUDAqNwPRWHvvDitB4BoecigfMDNAo7UwI3O9tDS6VzhqjBG i5fNDYx9GbN_GixvBgUggk332Dz0ok0tHnlY7t2FbQ&utm_con tent=140603408#homeslider ), back to the relevant MP to show support for changing the zone from "rural and recreation or, Golf Course Estate" back to "residential". That said, he claims "We do not wish to sell this land, and we have no intention of redeveloping the golf course beyond sale of surplus land that has already been approved if the golf course remains viable."

    He's basically saying, help me protect the course by allowing me to build houses on it, right?
    Yep, that is how I read it too!

    He is seemingly sending out this 'letter of support' to every players email address on file, and on FB too. The FB page is quite an interesting/amusing read.

  25. #200
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    This is what's on the Golf Course site if anyone cares to read.


    REGARDING THE REZONING SITUATION


    We wish to set the record straight regarding the Mount Compass Golf Course (“MCGC”). We seek your urgent support to put an end to the completely unnecessary actions of the Alexandrina Council and certain members of the local community which have endangered the viability of MCGC.
    Key Points:
    • Our business has been unfairly targeted by Alexandrina Council and some misinformed residents;
    • MCGC has been inappropriately down-zoned from Residential to Rural and Recreation by Alexandrina Council through the introduction of the Planning & Design Code;
    • Following an appeal by MCGC to the Environment, Resources and Development Committee of Parliament (“ERD Committee”), it recommended our land be zoned Golf Course Estate;
    • Planning Minister Vickie Chapman MP has delayed correcting our zoning by requesting that the State Planning Commission undertake a protracted Code Amendment process instead of just accepting the ERD Committee recommendation;
    • MCGC will not survive in its current form waiting for the zoning to be corrected;
    • As a result, MCGC is being forced to sell off portions of the golf course to reduce debt;
    • That land sale will mean views across the golf course on the approach roads to the course - Arthur Road and George Francis Drive - will be lost, and we will have to reconfigure the golf course;
    • We do not wish to sell this land, and we have no intention of redeveloping the golf course beyond sale of surplus land that has already been approved if the golf course remains viable.
    You can help by printing and signing the below letter and returning it to us to pass on to Planning Minister Vickie Chapman MP to preserve the amenity enjoyed by golfers and residents by keeping MCGC in its current form.


    LETTER TO VICKI CHAPMAN

    The facts are these.
    ZONING & RE-ZONING

    The MCGC property was zoned Residential when Capitoline Property Pty Ltd acquired it in 2016. It had been zoned Residential for something like 20 years. We obtained approval in 2016 to subdivide 23 allotments around the periphery of the course.
    In 2019, a further 40 allotment subdivision was approved at the end of George Francis Drive – on land surplus to the golf course north of the 15th tees. We developed 7 allotments to the west of the Clubhouse in 2017.
    To date, after 5 years, we have not acted on the remainder of the approval to develop a further 16 allotments wrapping around the corner of George Francis Drive and Arthur Road. We opted not to develop these allotments because we did not want to have to reconfigure the golf course – nor lose the views over the course that are available on the approach roads. That remains our preferred position.
    In March 2021, with the introduction of a new planning system, our land was downzoned to Rural and Recreation. This should not have happened. Instead, the land should have transitioned to Neighbourhood, which is the new version of Residential. This would have been like for like, as was initially proposed by the State Planning Commission.
    NO NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED RE-ZONING

    The change from Neighbourhood to Rural and Recreation occurred because of a submission made by Alexandrina Council. This appears to have been at the instigation of Councillor Bill Coomans, our local Ward Councillor who lives adjacent to the 2nd hole of MCGC on George Francis Drive.
    We were given absolutely no notice of Alexandrina Council’s submission. It is normal for a rezoning process to involve notice to the landowner as an absolute minimum.
    In effect, our property was down-zoned without notice to or consultation with us and through the back door. Councillor Coomans is required to look after the interests of all of the constituents in his Ward. He certainly hasn’t done so with us. Neither he nor Council made any attempt to consult with us about the submission they lodged to down-zone our properties.
    MAJOR SUBDIVISION APPLICATION REJECTED

    In response to the attack by Alexandrina Council, days before the down-zoning came into effect in March, we lodged an application for redevelopment of the whole golf course into residential allotments.
    This was a purely defensive reaction attempting to protect our investment whilst the Residential zone was still in effect. That application was refused by Alexandrina Council in a matter of days.
    We believe that Councillor Coomans has unfairly misrepresented the reasons for this, continuing to use it to generate fear in the community via social media platforms and the press.
    COURSE IMPROVEMENTS

    What is constantly overlooked by Councillor Coomans and others is that we have invested a lot of time, effort and money into rebuilding the MCGC and its business. Proceeds from land sales have been reinvested in the business. We have been very pleased with the turn-around in its fortunes – particularly in the last couple of years.
    Under our stewardship over the past 5 years, we have progressively increased golf traffic by approximately 25% per annum, meaning foot traffic has doubled since 2016. We have invested in the refurbishment and upgrading of the Range Restaurant which has developed an excellent reputation and attracts a diverse customer base from areas well beyond Mount Compass. MCGC operated at a loss for the first 3 years after our purchase of the business, but it is now covering its operating costs.
    MCGC is probably the most significant generator of spin-off activity for other businesses in Mount Compass because of the patrons we bring in to play golf and dine at the MCGC’s Range Restaurant. We attract over 20,000 rounds of golf and a similar number of diners to the Range Restaurant each year. Those patrons also support the local IGA and adjacent businesses, petrol station, hotel, cafes and the like in the township.
    Only a few months ago, MCGC proudly achieved a ranking of #73 in the Australian Golf Digest Top 100 courses in Australia. It was announced as the most improved golf course in the country, jumping 23 spots. It is listed at #42 of all Public Access golf courses in Australia. MCGC was voted #2 in a recent Advertiser poll of the most popular golf courses in South Australia. This is not by accident. It is the result of a lot of effort by our team, following our investment in new pumps, course upgrades, new maintenance equipment, building maintenance and active marketing campaigns. We very recently purchased a fleet of 20 new golf carts.
    That is not the behaviour of a business gravitating towards closure. We can assure you that it wasn’t and it isn’t our intention to subdivide more land from the property once we have completed the approved 40 allotment subdivision at the end of George Francis Drive – provided the golf course operations remain viable.
    THE ERD COMMITTEE’S DECISION

    In May the ERD Committee held a meeting to review the zoning of our land. An alternative zoning – Golf Course Estate – was proposed, which we fully supported as a compromise solution. Evidence was provided to the ERD Committee by Capitoline Property Pty Ltd, Alexandrina Council, the State Planning Commission and the Attorney-General’s office.
    The ERD Committee voted in favour of recommending to the Planning Minister, Vickie Chapman MP, that our land zoning be changed to Golf Course Estate. However, last week, Minister Chapman resolved not to accept the recommendation of the ERD Committee and instead put us through a full blown and protracted Code Amendment process to rezone the land Golf Course Estate, leaving us zoned Rural and Recreation for the time being.
    This process that could take up to 18 months to finalise – with no certain outcome.
    THE CONSEQUENCES IF THE MINISTER’S DECISION STANDS

    The impact of the down-zoning to Rural and Recreation is significant – our asset value has been hugely impaired. As a result, we have no alternative but to sell some land to pay down debt.
    This means selling the 16 allotments we had approved in 2016 fronting George Francis Drive and Arthur Road (see below for plan). Unfortunately, this will require the shortening and construction of a new green for the 2nd hole and construction of a new tee for the 3rd hole. The large stand of pine trees on Arthur Road near the 3rd tees will have to be cut down.
    When houses are constructed on the land, there will no longer be views across the course from any of the approach roads and the residents across the street will lose their views over the course.
    A further consequence of the down-zoning is that we have deferred other projects we had planned for this year – a new cart shed, redevelopment of the pro-shop and cart charging area, creation of a new sprig bar and outdoor dining area, a private dining room in the Range Restaurant, upgrading the maintenance shed, treating golf cart pathways with concrete aggregate and, of most concern, the replacement of the entire course irrigation system which is at the end of its life. This could literally see the course die before our eyes.
    The loss of land value we have suffered means we are unable to raise finance to pay for these things – unless the zoning is changed to Golf Course Estate now. As a consequence of the ill founded actions of Councillor Coomans and Alexandrina Council in attempting to “protect” the golf course, they have achieved exactly the opposite – by putting it under financial pressure and at risk of a catastrophic irrigation system failure.
    PLEASE SUPPORT MCGC BY WRITING TO MINISTER CHAPMAN

    Most of the residential property owners in the Mount Compass Estate, and many thousands more golfers and restaurant patrons, would like to see our business continue to grow and prosper for years to come.
    We are asking all those interested in maintaining the Golf Course to ask Planning Minister Vickie Chapman MP to revisit her recent decision and immediately implement a rezoning of our land to Golf Course Estate as was recommended by the ERD Committee.
    If you are willing to support us, please download, print and sign the attached letter and return it to PO Box 258, Mount Compass SA 5210 or simply drop it into the MCGC bar or Pro Shop by 5.00pm on Friday 23 July 2021. Rest assured your response will be treated in confidence.
    If we gain sufficient support from the community, we will submit this to the Minister for consideration and plead our case for immediate action. If that occurs promptly, we won’t have to continue with sale of the land fronting George Francis Drive and Arthur Road and compromise the golf course layout.
    Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss any of the matters set out above at
    sconnor@mcgc.com.au or mobile 04 1118 1114.
    Yours sincerely
    Stephen Connor
    Managing Director

    Last edited by Hatchman; 15th July 2021 at 05:34 PM.
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