THE planned redevelopment of Rossdale Golf Course in Aspendale took another step forward this month with the release of an independent planning panel report.
The golf club unveiled plans to build housing of up to three storeys on the 43.5 hectare site in 2024. The planning minister referred the proposed Rossdale Golf Course redevelopment to the state’s Priority Projects Standing Advisory Committee for consideration in mid-2025.
The committee’s report was released this month; it found that the conversion of the land to housing was “possible while protecting the site’s areas of environmental sensitivity and the Ramsar wetlands.”
“Ultimately, the committee is satisfied that the proponent has undertaken adequate assessments and made the necessary enquiries to support redevelopment of the land, subject to the committee’s recommendation for further work in relation to site values, opportunities and constraints,” the committee’s report read. “An independent economic report confirms that the proponent is not financially viable under its current model and there are no realistic alternatives to conversion of the land for other purposes. The land tenure allows for conversion and the site is considered surplus to golfing needs.
“The proponent advised that there are two caveats on the land title but no other restrictions. One caveat relates to a telecommunications tower on the site and the other deals with an agreement with Hume Residential Pty Ltd for the first right of refusal should the land be sold. The committee was advised that this caveat expires in December 2025. Based on the information provided the committee agrees that the tenure of Rossdale does allow for its conversion, should it proceed.”
The planned Rossdale redevelopment has drawn the ire of Kingston Council, which expressed disappointment that it was cut out of the planning process last year (“Council cut out of golf course planning” The Times 7/8/2025).
The committee’s report read that the proponent, Kingston Council, DEECA, and Melbourne Water took part in its consultation process. The committee hosted a “a four-day consultation session” between 10 and 13 November 2025.
The committee’s report read that Kingston Council “submitted that the proponent has not demonstrated there is an economic basis for the conversion of the land”.
“Council highlighted that the location of the golf course in Melbourne’s Sandbelt is also important because while the number of golf courses is high that does not mean there is an oversupply given the membership and cost restrictions of a number of courses,” the report read. “Council submitted that the proponent had not adequately explored alternative business models or options for increasing its economic viability.”
Before proceeding, the committee noted that the developer should review and update Biodiversity Assessment and Targeted Fauna Surveys, Tree Hollow and Habitat Advice, and a Preliminary Tree Assessment.
“The site is well located within Melbourne’s Urban Growth Boundary, close to transport and activity centres and aligns with housing policy objectives. However, there are gaps in the proponent’s work, including insufficient consideration of recent policy changes (such as plan for Victoria, climate change directives) and broader strategic priorities,” the report read.
In response to the question of if the golf course should be retained as open space, the committee stated “the proponent contacted a number of local, state and federal government to assess whether there is any interest in acquiring the property. No government authority or agency expressed any interest in the land.”
First published in the Frankston Times – 24 March 2026