Moves to ‘quarantine’ Cammeray Golf Course was not discussed with them beforehand, North Sydney Council says.
North Sydney Mayor Zoe Baker says they rejected a NSW Government statement that council is being consulted about the decision.
Lands and Sport Minister Steve Kamper says they want to protect the nine-hole par-3 course where golf has been played for 120 years.
The government says the current lease ends in May although council says it was decided two months ago to extend the lease to September 2029.
“Cammeray Golf Course has been part of Sydney’s sporting fabric for more than a century and we want to secure its future for generations to come,” Kamper says.
A government statement says it is in talks with Golf NSW, North Sydney Council, Cammeray Golf Club and others to protect the course into the future.
But Baker rejects that statement: she says they have asked the minister for a meeting at least eight times since late 2022 without luck.
“Not once has council been granted that opportunity,” she says. “In contrast, Golf NSW has met with the minister on five occasions since 2023.”
CAMMERAY CERTAINTY
Golf NSW Chief Executive Officer Stuart Fraser says the decision provides “certainty for golf and golfers” at the course.
“Cammeray Golf Course is a unique public facility … we whole-heartedly support these moves to ensure its long-term future,” he says.
The council issued a press statement a day after it was told about the government decision and which gave them 14 days to respond.
Baker claims the government ‘wrongly’ assumes that council will develop the course at Cammeray Park based on its Open Space and Recreation Strategy.
“This is simply not true,” she says. “Neither the strategy nor the supporting Needs Study proposes an end to golf at Cammeray Park.”
According to the government, Cammeray Park also houses tennis courts, croquet lawns, a skate plaza, soccer and rugby matches, and community events.
Baker says government is overlooking major housing pressures facing North Sydney and a council desire to consult with residents about future use of the park.
“With land values in North Sydney among the highest in the country, ratepayers simply cannot afford to purchase new open space,” she says.
“I urge the minister to reconsider this proposal in the broader context of housing growth and liveability for North Sydney,” Baker says.
“It may be suitable for nine holes of par-3 golf today but that may not be the case forever — even golf is evolving,” she says.
Baker says the move to award control of the course to Golf NSW is effectively privatising green space that should remain public.
“Council consistently committed to working with all stakeholders, including the golfing community, to determine if and when change is required.
OTHER SYDNEY GOLF NEWS: Plans for Lidcombe course raises hackles
