THE proposed redevelopment of the Rossdale Golf Club has been put on ice, after the club terminated its agreement with the developer.
The Rossdale Golf Club decided to sell its 43.5 hectare home and move in 2018, and began consulting on plans to redevelop the Aspendale golf course in 2023. Kingston Council opposed the proposal, but in 2025 had its authority over the site ripped away when the state’s planning minister intervened. Earlier this year an independent planning panel report into the proposal was released, reading that the conversion of the land to housing was “possible while protecting the site’s areas of environmental sensitivity and the Ramsar wetlands.” (“Golf course housing plan ‘possible’ – panel”, The Times 14/4/2026)
Last week, it was confirmed that Rossdale Golf Club had terminated its agreement with developer Casey Group. The future of the redevelopment is now in limbo as the club considers its options.
Kingston mayor Georgina Oxley welcomed the announcement. She said “this is significant news for the many community members who have followed this issue closely and value Rossdale Golf Club’s place in our local community. The club will continue exploring options for its future and we look forward to learning more as that work progresses.
“Kingston has worked very hard over a number of years to ensure environmental and community issues were properly considered throughout this process. We are pleased that the conversation can look at the future of the club and the opportunities that may exist moving forward. Council stands ready to work constructively with this community focused club as it considers its next steps and explores future opportunities.”
The sentiment was echoed across Kingston Council; deputy mayor Cr Sarah O’Donnell said “one of the strongest messages the community can send is through supporting the club. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a member, booking a round of golf, enjoying a meal at the clubhouse or hosting a function at Rossdale, now is a great time to do it.”
Kingston Council initially flagged “serious concerns” with the redevelopment proposal in 2023 (“Golf course redevelopment plan premature”, The Times 15/6/2023). In a statement released last week, council said it has since worked to “audit the golf course’s significant environmental values, including its extensive tree canopy, wildlife habitat and connection to the internationally recognised Ramsar-listed Edithvale Seaford Wetlands; seek support from the Victorian Government for independent environmental assessments and highlighted the importance of fully understanding ecology, flora, fauna and biodiversity impacts before any consideration of rezoning; [and] reiterate to the Victorian Government that Kingston’s approved housing strategy identifies suitable locations for future housing growth close to transport, shops and activity centres and does not rely on the loss of large areas of open space such as golf courses”.
The project was referred to the state’s Priority Projects Standing Advisory Committee for consideration in mid-2025. The subsequent report read that “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.”
“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 report read. “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.”
First published in the Frankston Times – 13 October 2026