An independent review of Deep Creek Reserve has concluded a result in favour of the continuation of golf, determining that the course is not only economically viable but in demand.
Consultancy firm Nova Ratio Publica have reported to Cardinia Shire Council the conclusions of their feasibility study into Pakenham Golf Course, with councillors to vote on adopting its three options for public consultation at the upcoming August council meeting next Monday.
The first option suggests the continuation of a golf course up to 18 holes, favourably determining that golfing can “expect to increase” and could come “at no cost” to the council.
This option presents the “least impact” and “maximum flexibility” with the inclusion of other considerations of investment in such facilities as mini golf or an expanded driving range to boost participation and revenue.
Options two and three suggest creating Deep Creek into an active sporting reserve with ovals and soccer fields or a passive reserve for amenity and environmental conservation.
Continuing with golf would require the replacement of a degraded irrigation system on the greens and other maintenance repairs at a cost of $1.7 million.
This would be the least costly of the three to council, the report said, and is the only option that could involve a private investor.
Turning the course into a space akin to Toomuc Recreation Reserve, as per option two, would assist the council in servicing a shortage in sporting facilities in the shire’s urban corridor, but it would be the most costly and least timely, costing an estimated minimum of $20 million in public funds over a 10 to 15 year period of development.
Pakenham currently has a provision of open space above the required benchmark, if Deep Creek were to follow option three it would become the largest passive open space in the area, increasing the abundance by 15 per cent.
Furthermore, option three would come at a cost to the council, likely greater than continuing golf.
With assistance from Golf Australia, the report found that participation in golf has grown since the pandemic.
In Cardinia, 7,268 people participate in golfing and Golf Australia estimates that the number has the potential to grow in excess of 12,000.
Well Played Golf Business Consultancy informed the report regarding the regional importance of Pakenham Golf Course and determined it has a “definite catchment” as the only course with full public access in a central location between the existing clubs and driving ranges in Garfield, Beaconsfield and Upper Beaconsfield (Lang Lang Golf Club resides in Bass Coast Shire).
Golf Australia said Pakenham Golf Course could have an annual benefit of $2.1 million in economic, social and environmental values.
This was determined by assuming the continuation of an 18-hole course, as well as the possible further investment stipulated in the additional variations of maintaining golf.
“Option 1a” considers the development of facilities like mini golf, an expanded driving range, simulators and golf entertainment.
More off-course development to boost community engagement is detailed in “option 1b.”
The determination of continuing golf was weighed against possible risks such as a lack of return on investment, impacts to the surrounding neighbourhood or the loss of public control of the course.
The report will be presented to councillors in the next council meeting on Monday 18 August where they will decide upon the adoption of its recommendations.
If successfully adopted, a four-week consultation will commence where residents can express their preference among the three options.
