Our View
February 19, 2013: Community asset
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- Created on 19 February 2013
THE agreement between Rural Bank and the District Council of the Copper Coast for the management of The Dunes golf course has been described as a win-win for all.
It is certainly a better option than the alternative — the development going into the hands of liquidators and the golf course closing and turning into a barren wasteland.
The ideal option would have been for a wealthy developer to come in and invest money to build the remaining nine holes and the clubhouse.
This would have ensured The Dunes became the prestigious resort it was intended.
Unfortunately, no one came forward with an offer good enough to satisfy the bank.
Rural Bank needs to recoup the money it is owed and the most promising scenario for this is for the golf course to be operational.
Without the golf course, the blocks of land lose even more value.
Council needs the golf course a) as a tourism attraction and boost for the local economy and b) for its Community Wastewater Management Scheme.
The course and its associated irrigation system and water requirements is a key part in the puzzle for the CWMS. By agreeing to manage the course, council has essentially secured that piece in the puzzle.
Council has a lot on its plate, and taking on the management of the golf course is another thing to do.
However, it has assured ratepayers its commitment is purely an overseeing role, aside from some administration time, there will be no financial commitment.
Council envisages, once the association is up and running, it will be responsible for the operations with council hopefully having little involvement.
Rural Bank has committed financial backing for the first three years, so if the golf course fails and isn’t viable then the money hasn’t come out of ratepayers’ pockets.
If the golf course doesn’t break even during this time, council will get to keep the land and can still utilise it for its CWMS.
The future of the golf club is now in the hands of the community.
If it wants this asset to stay then it needs to jump on board and show its support.
Amie Brokenshire, Editor