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The Victorian Government is advancing a strategy for the golf industry that sets out to promote the growth and sustainability of golf for recreation and tourism purposes while addressing future land use impacts.

Released last week, the Planning for Golf in Victoria discussion paper, part of the Plan Melbourne 2017 - 2050 Implementation Plan, assesses the values of golf courses, identifies their benefits and outlines a planning framework for golf course land development proposals.

To take the strategy forward, a task force has been established to develop a framework that addresses some key issues facing Victorian golf courses, including: declining club memberships, rising operating costs and the contested nature of golf course land developments.

With public and industry input sought, a final recommendation and framework report will be prepared by the taskforce for the Victorian Government’s consideration in November.

Releasing the discussion paper, Victorian Minister for Planning Richard Wynne stated “this process will help us to understand how golf clubs can redevelop their land in a manner that benefits both the club and the surrounding community.”

Golf Victoria Chief Execuitve Simon Brookhouse welcomed the release of the discussion paper, saying that golf clubs and their communities can play a key role in developing such an important golf strategy by preparing a submission in response to the discussion paper

Brookhouse explained “all golf clubs and golf industry personnel are encouraged to develop a submission to assist the formation of this strategy.

“The more submissions we have from the golf loving public, the more influence we will have in shaping the future of our sport.”

Brookhouse added that Golf Victoria would be making a considered and detailed submission on behalf of the golf industry in general.

Golf is played by more than 300,000 Victorians and makes an $849 million contribution to the economy, supporting 6900 jobs.

Golf clubs and their members can complete a survey at engage.vic.gov.au

Image: The National Golf Club on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula.

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