A PUBLIC united front by Kingston Council against the redevelopment of Kingston golf courses will soon face its first major test.
Councillors unanimously voted at March’s public council meeting to instruct council officers to prepare an official council golf course policy which would see council advocate for golf course land to be “used for purposes that allow the land to retain green and open vistas” if a privately-owned golf club sells land.
A bid by Melbourne-based property fund manager ISPT to have the Kingswood Golf Course in Dingley Village rezoned for residential development will be put to council in the near future.
The News can reveal unlisted super fund manager ISPT met Kingston Council two weeks ago to confirm its plans to build homes on golf course land.
When asked, council CEO John Nevins confirmed he and council officers had met ISPT representatives at council’s Cheltenham offices on 31 March at the request of the fund manager.
Mr Nevins said council officers had told ISPT about council’s resolution that states council’s view is that golf course land in Kingston should remain open green space.
“ISPT acknowledged council’s position but advised it intends to develop a planning scheme amendment application to be lodged with council for council’s consideration and determination, as it is entitled to do under statutory processes,” he said.
Victorian Attorney-General and member for Keysborough Martin Pakula said the Dingley community “have raised legitimate concerns over the future of the Kingswood golf course site”.
“I understand its [the golf course’s] significance, not only environmentally but as the heart of Dingley that has been enjoyed by local families for generations.”
The Kingswood Golf Club controversially merged with Frankston’s Peninsula Golf Club in 2013 leading to the sale of the 53-hectare Dingley Village golf course.
ISPT paid $125 million, well over the $80 million market value, for the land. The fund manager has a history of buying land for property development.
Kingswood Golf Club member William Falkingham has taken a fight to have the golf clubs’ merger declared invalid all the way to the High Court.
“If the final court appeal fails and an application to rezone Kingswood is lodged, I will be calling on Kingston Council to run a thorough consultation process that takes the community’s concerns seriously,” Mr Pakula said.
An ISPT spokesman told The News the recent meeting with Kingston Council was “an introductory meeting” and “it is very early days”.
“ISPT is looking forward to working with the community to develop a good development – something that’s going to add to the community,” the spokesman said.
