Kingston flags concerns with proposed Rossdale golf course process

Published on 08 June 2023

Kingston Council has flagged serious concerns following the announcement that the Rossdale Golf Club hopes to rezone and sell off its Aspendale site and called for a robust process to be followed before any decisions on the site’s future are made.

The privately-owned and run club has recently announced it hopes to close the golf course, apply to rezone the land to allow for residential development and sell the land.

The Victorian Government’s ‘Planning Guidelines for Golf Course Redevelopment’ and Golf Course Redevelopment Standing Advisory Committee guide some of the planning steps that must be taken before golf course land can be redeveloped.

Kingston Mayor Hadi Saab said Council has concerns about the current approach being taken by the club and believes it’s premature to presume the site is appropriate to rezone from a golf course to residential development.

“This site has been a golf course since 1926, adding much to the environmental and social values of our community, and a proper process must be followed to carefully consider its future before any decisions are made that would result in a financial gain from the sale of land,” Cr Saab said.  

“Council is geared up to speak on behalf of our community, to make sure proper planning principles and processes are followed, provide important local knowledge and ensure decisions on the site’s future are not rushed.”

While Council believes it is premature to discuss a rezoning, responsibility for a final decision should a rezoning be commenced would ultimately sit with the State Government.

Kingston Council has written to the club and the Victorian Minister for Planning raising the site’s significant environmental values, proximity to the RAMSAR listed Edithvale/Seaford Wetlands and the fact the site was not identified in Kingston’s Housing Strategy as necessary to provide for future housing growth.

“There are other more suitable sites across Kingston that could be rezoned if a housing shortfall emerges in the future. The Victorian Government is investing billions in the Suburban Rail Loop which will provide opportunities for further housing growth in Highett/Cheltenham and Clayton/Clayton South.

“With the very significant environmental challenges we face, our golf courses are key to tackling climate change and any changes should be very carefully considered,” Cr Saab said.

Yammerbook Ward Councillor Tamsin Bearsley said the club’s announcement had raised significant community concerns and locals are passionate about what happens to the Rossdale site.

“No case has yet been made that the site should be rezoned, and Council will be working hard to make sure our community’s voice is heard throughout the process,” Cr Bearsley said.

Questions relating to Council’s role in this matter can be directed to the Strategic Planning Team on 1300 653 356.