MOUNT Gambier City Council elected members discussed the Queen Elizabeth Park Trust’s proposed Blue Lake Public Golf Links sub-leasing agreements at a special closed door meeting this week.
Following a confidential informal gathering held on Wednesday night where the single-line Queen Elizabeth Park Trust leasing matters was discussed, three councillors requested a special meeting for Thursday to discuss a number of trust-related matters.
Earlier this week, the Trust announced it would seek a 12-month extension to its operating lease for the Blue Lake Public Golf Links and would give Blue Lake Golf Club the first option as a sublessee.
In a statement, the Trust attributed low visitation numbers and rising operational costs as factors for exploring a new model of operation.
Current sublessee Bill Burley has not been included in the Trust’s proposal, leaving the future of the privately-owned Blue Lake Golf Links Bar and Bistro under a cloud.
The four-item agenda included discussion with the Trust on its independent report and the Trust’s response to that report.
Documents relating to the management of the Crater Lakes area and the “consideration of media statement and appointing a council member as a spokesperson” on the matter was also flagged.
According to documentation, the move to enter into confidential discussions was based on information which could confer a commercial advantage or prejudice the commercial position of council.
The agenda also stated all the discussion items “would, on balance be contrary to the public interest”, would reveal a trade secret and needed to be considered in confidence to ensure that council did not breach any legal obligation or duty.
