MOUNT Gambier City Council has offered a lifeline to the Blue Lake Golf Club in the form of a five-year conditional lease, safeguarding the facility’s short-term future.
It follows closed door discussions between council, the club and the Queen Elizabeth Park Trust, which is understood to be considering its future after five decades of community land management.
Council’s offer of a one year lease with four one year right of renewals follows months of uncertainty for the Blue Lake Public Golf Links after an external report revealed the course’s operational structure was not financially sustainable based on current visitation.
A $221,000 wage bill was central to the facility’s financial woes, with volunteer greenskeeper duties among the solutions put forward for the club.
Following discussions in confidence, council has determined to provide a $75,000 operational grant as part of the lease’s first year, with the possibility of horticultural services on a fee for service basis.
It is understood the Trust will step down from its leasing agreements of not only the golf course, but also the Blue Lake Holiday Park.
Speaking to The Border Watch yesterday, Trust chairman Colin Martin said after 50 years the trust will “go through the process of winding down its activities” before “being wound up”.
“We made an offer that we would hand over the golf course lease to City Council and that we would not be seeking to re-lease the course,” Mr Martin said.
“We will also hand over the lease to the City Council of the caravan park.”
“We are not walking away as we have been here for over 50 years administrating future plans for the council but we believe this decision is in the best interest of all involved.”
Linksview Bar and Bistro owner Bill Burley said the future of his business, which operate’s from the course clubhouse, was “still unknown” as much of the discussion has taken place in confidence.
“There is talk of us being offered a lease so I am hoping that is the case,” Mr Burley said.
“Unfortunately there is not a lot in concrete regarding the business’s future which is concerning for staff and future bookings.
“Some staff have walked and bookings have been cancelled.”
In full support of council’s decision, Mr Burley said the $75,000 grant was much needed.
As for his future, Mr Burley said he would love to stay and support the club in the transition, but not if it means he is “being a burden”.
“I’d love to stay as a business but if its too much pressure on the golf club then I do not want to put that on them,” Mr Burley said.
“I do not want to see the club struggle.
“It is not about us anymore, I’m just hoping the club can bring something viable for the community.”
City Council acting chief executive Barbara Cernovskis said there was still a lot of work to be done with all parties receiving the information positively.
“They have been in agreeance to support council’s position to facilitate a fair and reasonable outcome for the community and all parties involved,” she said.
Golf club members have greeted the news positively and were expected to meet last night to discuss the resolution.
