Albert Park Golf Course saved from shrinking after public outcry
The Albert Park Golf Course will retain all 18 holes after an outcry against a proposal to reduce its size.
The backflip comes after the Liberal Party promised to protect the course if elected in November.
Golfing groups also attacked the proposal to shrink the course to nine holes as part of a broader upgrade planned for Albert Park. But Parks Victoria has now backed away from that plan as well.
The government will be hoping the U-turn will nullify the golf course as an election issue in Albert Park, which Labor holds by just 3 per cent.
Labor is expected to fight hard to retain the seat against attacks from both the Liberal Party and the Greens.
A draft master plan released by Parks Victoria in November for consultation said a reduced course could appeal to a “broad visitor market”.
It said trends across Australia indicated people were “increasingly looking to do more in less time” and a shift towards shorter rounds of golf.
However, the Lakeside Golf Club disputed suggestions that golfers wanted to play shorter rounds.
Golf Victoria and Golf Australia were also both opposed to Parks Victoria’s plan to downsize the course. The draft also proposed moving the driving range and the creation of a “putt-putt” section for children and families.
The golf takes up 43 hectares within the 225 hectares of Albert Park.
Source: The Age
