Council has resolved to
lease land in Newtown, home to Balyang Par 3 Golf Course, so it can be
transformed into a family-friendly and fun golf and entertainment precinct that
appeals to a diverse range of people.
Concepts for the site may
include expanded and upgraded clubhouse facilities, driving range with
state-of-the-art ball tracking technology, mini-golf course, short format golf
course and other entertainment features.
As land manager, the City
will lease the 33 Marnock Road site for up to 21 years following approval from
the Minister for the Environment.
The City will soon undertake
a public Request for Proposal process for redevelopment of the land. Proposals
will have to include options for a minimum 9 and 18-hole short course and other
golf activities.
Tenderers will need to demonstrate how the development will
benefit our existing membership base and the broader community long-term and
meet certain deliverables, such as:
- Community
development, programs and activation to target groups such as women and
girls, older adults, all abilities, multicultural backgrounds and
school children;
- Community
benefit and sustainability, including economic, social and
environmental benefits; and
- Provide suitable
facilities for The National Servicemen (‘the Nashos’), who have been
holding regular competitions at the course for 20+ years, and other
similar groups and individuals.
Our public engagement in August last year attracted 31 submissions; 20 were supportive of the land being
leased for redevelopment, six submitters emphasised a desire to retain an
18-hole course while not objecting to a lease, and five made suggestions about
how the land should be used. Three submitters appeared before the Submissions
Review Panel in March.
Greater Geelong Mayor
Stretch Kontelj OAM
Balyang Par 3 is in need of a refresh to boost
visitation and use of the facility.
We’re calling for
innovative solutions that make the best use of the space as a golf facility
while introducing entertainment elements that attract a broader range of
community members.
This redevelopment will be
an exciting investment in the golfing, lifestyle, recreational and wellbeing
needs of our growing community.
Councillor Anthony Aitken
I wish to thank the
community members who gave feedback on the lease proposal.
Council acknowledges and
thanks the efforts of the community who had their say on this project, whether
online or in person at the Submissions Review Panel.
This project has generated
a lot of interest. The feedback has helped Council develop its future
directions for this asset and how we can make sure the site lives up to its
full potential.