On Tuesday 14 February 2023, Council endorsed proposed changes to Burnley Golf Course which will address the risks associated with balls being hit outside the golf course’s boundary.
The approved changes will result in a re-design of the golf course layout; holes 1, 3, 6 and 7.
The adjustments to the course will improve community safety by reducing the risks associated with golf balls breaching the existing boundary fences along Madden Grove and CityLink.
Why are we doing this work?
In March and April 2020, we undertook a community consultation process to assist in the review of a range of options to mitigate identified risk and opportunities to diversify the services offered at the facility. The consultation included community information sessions, surveys and targeted workshops with key stakeholders.
The feedback received from the consultation has informed the approved design of Burnley Golf Course.
When will the works begin?
Burnley Golf Course closed on Tuesday 20 June 2023 to commence the course re-design works.
Will the course be closed during the period of works?
Yes. The course will be closed to the public and there will be no access to the course car park during the period of works.
Who will be completing the course re-design works?
On Tuesday 15 August 2023, Council awarded the contract for the golf course re-design and risk mitigation works to SJM Turf and Civil Pty Ltd.
SJM Turf and Civil commenced the reconstruction of holes 1, 3, 6, 7 and the practice putting/chipping areas on Monday 11 September 2023.
How long will the works take?
The works are expected to be completed in 2024, subject to weather conditions.
What is the approved course design?
See the approved course changes and design (3.7MB, PDF)
Update 23 April 2024
Last year, some trees and vegetation were removed at Burnley Golf Course as part of the re-design works as a community safety response to reduce the risk of golf balls travelling on to the freeway.
The trees were removed following an extensive assessment by an independent arborist that found the majority of trees slated for removal were of low arboricultural value.
While there is not a planning permit trigger to remove native vegetation under the native vegetation provision of the planning scheme, we have since identified that a permit was required for tree removal under the Heritage Overlay that covers a large area of land including the golf course.
The Heritage Overlay covers Yarra Boulevard, Richmond Park and Burnley Park. The significant features recognised as having heritage value are buildings and hard landscaping constructed prior to 1945 and remnant indigenous vegetation and mature trees planted before 1945.
Trees and soft and hard landscaping established after 1945 are considered ‘Not Contributory’ to the heritage value of the area. As none of the vegetation removed as part of these safety works was planted before 1945, we are confident that no impact has been made to the heritage value of the area.
We acknowledge that we made an error and will apply for a retrospective permit promptly. To ensure community confidence in this process, we will engage an independent planning expert to apply for the permit on Council’s behalf and another independent planning expert to assess the application and provide advice to help Council make a decision.
Planning is a complex process and we don’t always get it right. We are committed to continuous improvement and learning from our mistakes and have implemented more rigorous checks for permit requirements on all Council projects in the future, including those that require tree removal.
Revegetation works are already underway. A total of 50,000 plants and 450 trees, including a diverse range of indigenous and native species like banksias, acacias and eucalypts, will be planted and have been carefully selected to improve biodiversity, wildlife habitat and amenity in the area.
Progress of works and key milestones
- Course closure – 20 June 2023. Status: completed
- Site preparation works – June to August 2023. Status: completed
- SJM Turf and Civil appointed to complete construction works – 15 August 2023. Status: completed
- Reconstruction of holes 1, 3, 6, 7. Status: completed
- Reconstruction of practice putting/chipping areas. Status: in progress
- Bunker construction on holes 2, 3 and 6. Status: completed
- Bunker construction on holes 7 and 1 and practice putting/chipping areas. Status: not started
- Turf on holes 2, 3 and 6. Status: in progress
- Turf on holes 7 and 1 and practice putting/chipping areas. Status: not started
- Grow in greens 2, 3 and 6. Status: in progress
- Course furnishings. Status: in progress
- Replanting and vegetation areas. Status: in progress
2nd hole
2nd green
3rd green
Environmental considerations and plans
On Tuesday 14 February 2023, Council endorsed proposed changes to Burnley Golf Course which will address the risks associated with balls being hit outside the golf course’s boundary.
The approved changes will result in a re-design of the golf course layout; holes 1, 3, 6 and 7.
The adjustments to the course will improve community safety by reducing the risks associated with golf balls breaching the existing boundary fences along Madden Grove and CityLink.
Why are we doing this work?
In March and April 2020, we undertook a community consultation process to assist in the review of a range of options to mitigate identified risk and opportunities to diversify the services offered at the facility. The consultation included community information sessions, surveys and targeted workshops with key stakeholders.
The feedback received from the consultation has informed the approved design of Burnley Golf Course.
When will the works begin?
Burnley Golf Course closed on Tuesday 20 June 2023 to commence the course re-design works.
Will the course be closed during the period of works?
Yes. The course will be closed to the public and there will be no access to the course car park during the period of works.
Who will be completing the course re-design works?
On Tuesday 15 August 2023, Council awarded the contract for the golf course re-design and risk mitigation works to SJM Turf and Civil Pty Ltd.
SJM Turf and Civil commenced the reconstruction of holes 1, 3, 6, 7 and the practice putting/chipping areas on Monday 11 September 2023.
How long will the works take?
The works are expected to be completed in 2024, subject to weather conditions.
What is the approved course design?
See the approved course changes and design (3.7MB, PDF)
Update 23 April 2024
Last year, some trees and vegetation were removed at Burnley Golf Course as part of the re-design works as a community safety response to reduce the risk of golf balls travelling on to the freeway.
The trees were removed following an extensive assessment by an independent arborist that found the majority of trees slated for removal were of low arboricultural value.
While there is not a planning permit trigger to remove native vegetation under the native vegetation provision of the planning scheme, we have since identified that a permit was required for tree removal under the Heritage Overlay that covers a large area of land including the golf course.
The Heritage Overlay covers Yarra Boulevard, Richmond Park and Burnley Park. The significant features recognised as having heritage value are buildings and hard landscaping constructed prior to 1945 and remnant indigenous vegetation and mature trees planted before 1945.
Trees and soft and hard landscaping established after 1945 are considered ‘Not Contributory’ to the heritage value of the area. As none of the vegetation removed as part of these safety works was planted before 1945, we are confident that no impact has been made to the heritage value of the area.
We acknowledge that we made an error and will apply for a retrospective permit promptly. To ensure community confidence in this process, we will engage an independent planning expert to apply for the permit on Council’s behalf and another independent planning expert to assess the application and provide advice to help Council make a decision.
Planning is a complex process and we don’t always get it right. We are committed to continuous improvement and learning from our mistakes and have implemented more rigorous checks for permit requirements on all Council projects in the future, including those that require tree removal.
Revegetation works are already underway. A total of 50,000 plants and 450 trees, including a diverse range of indigenous and native species like banksias, acacias and eucalypts, will be planted and have been carefully selected to improve biodiversity, wildlife habitat and amenity in the area.
Progress of works and key milestones
- Course closure – 20 June 2023. Status: completed
- Site preparation works – June to August 2023. Status: completed
- SJM Turf and Civil appointed to complete construction works – 15 August 2023. Status: completed
- Reconstruction of holes 1, 3, 6, 7. Status: completed
- Reconstruction of practice putting/chipping areas. Status: in progress
- Bunker construction on holes 2, 3 and 6. Status: completed
- Bunker construction on holes 7 and 1 and practice putting/chipping areas. Status: not started
- Turf on holes 2, 3 and 6. Status: in progress
- Turf on holes 7 and 1 and practice putting/chipping areas. Status: not started
- Grow in greens 2, 3 and 6. Status: in progress
- Course furnishings. Status: in progress
- Replanting and vegetation areas. Status: in progress
2nd hole
2nd green
3rd green
Environmental considerations and plans
What will happen with my golf course membership?
All Golf memberships will be automatically paused for the duration of the closure period. You will not be charged throughout the closure period.
If you have an active term/upfront membership at the time of the course closure, the total number of days of closure will be added to your membership expiry date.
What will happen with private golf lessons and clinics?
If you have paid in advance for private golf lessons or clinics, our resident PGA Professional Brent Westwick will contact you to arrange for these to be conducted at an alternative venue. If required, you can contact Brent directly by completing the contact form on his website at westwickgolfcoaching.com.au.
Can I be kept up to date on the progress of the works?
You sure can! If you’re currently not on our mailing list, you can subscribe to receive email updates regarding these works.
How do I find out more information?
Contact us on 9205 5048 or email us at yarraleisure@yarracity.vic.gov.au.
What will happen with my golf course membership?
All Golf memberships will be automatically paused for the duration of the closure period. You will not be charged throughout the closure period.
If you have an active term/upfront membership at the time of the course closure, the total number of days of closure will be added to your membership expiry date.
What will happen with private golf lessons and clinics?
If you have paid in advance for private golf lessons or clinics, our resident PGA Professional Brent Westwick will contact you to arrange for these to be conducted at an alternative venue. If required, you can contact Brent directly by completing the contact form on his website at westwickgolfcoaching.com.au.
Can I be kept up to date on the progress of the works?
You sure can! If you’re currently not on our mailing list, you can subscribe to receive email updates regarding these works.
How do I find out more information?
Contact us on 9205 5048 or email us at yarraleisure@yarracity.vic.gov.au.
