Click on images to enlarge
2007
10 May 2007
Application for council fee waiver rejected
Council has rejected a Mudgee Golf Club request to waive fees of $106,043 - towards community facilities and open space in its DA for a 26-lot residential subdivision on the golf course facing Lions Drive.
The club also asked for a deferment of additional fees, to be paid at the time of each lot's sale, which was also denied.
Mudgee Golf Club spokesman Trevor Crosby told council the golf club is more of a community facility than a private business and council's response was heavily emphasising the project as a commercial venture.
Mr Crosby said the golf club had recently received a $45,000 Federal Government grant to update its water efficiency on the basis the club was a community club.
The grant was for the installation of automatic sprinklers, making it possible to conserve water by watering the grounds at night.
He added that plans to upgrade the club - to include a residential subdivision/golf resort and tourist facility - were aimed at raising money to upgrade the club, boost tourism and help the community.
"We are working hard to provide an increased level of service to the community," Mr Crosby said.
Mr Crosby said the club had reassessed its assets.
"We figured that if we sold off the land we could invest that money," he said.
The interest from the investment will then go towards upgrading the course, tidying the greens and fairways, and the new irrigation system.
Club president Robert Rhodes wrote to council requesting the waiving of the fees to help the club develop.
"As you are aware, the golf course is utilised by various groups and organisations as probably the major fundraising venue in our shire," he said.
This included schools, sporting groups, Kanandah and Pioneer House, Mudgee Hospital and Ulan Coal charity trades day.
"The proposed development...is to form the nucleus of an ongoing income stream...to maintain the viability of the club...to improve the course and amenities over time for future generations," Mr Rhodes wrote.
However, council, at its committe meeting on Wednesay, May 2, made it clear that it considers the venture to be commercial so knocked back the request despite Mr Rhodes reminding council that at the time of the DA's approval it reported "Although the golf course is on private land, it is considered to have semi public status."
The land is zoned Private Recreation (6b) pursuant to Mudgee Local Environmental Plan 1998.
Council is expected to ratify the committee decision when the formal council meeting is held next Wednesday, May 16 at council chambers1 .