COURSE TAKEOVER - SET FOR 1ST JULY 2009 - UPDATE
Outstanding matters relating to the lease agreement for the course have now been 95% resolved,
mostly in terms of the conditions we were seeking. The residual matters are very minor and not seen
as an impediment to us running the course. We are now full steam ahead for takeover on 1 July 2009.
We will shortly be advertising for a Course Superintendant (greenkeeper), and have commissioned
an experienced recruitment operative to handle the initial stages of this process.
One aspect to be resolved relates to matters required to bring the course to a condition acceptable
for takeover. The problems with the greens is being handled as a separate issue and a detailed
update will be given in the Captain’s report. Many items have already been identified to Council but
a detailed report has been prepared by the Board.
Norm Jones and I will inspect the course with senior council representatives next week to pinpoint all
necessary work. Council has undertaken to rectify agreed matters, even if it means a council presence
on the course after takeover.
The project to install a water reclamation plant on council land opposite the golf course is at the stage
where an application for government grant must be submitted by 30 April 2009.
Neil Morrison, Norm Jones and our consultant, with able support from our secretary manager,
David Rootham, spent last Monday and Tuesday locked in the Boardroom getting the application into
order. (According to the Neil, this document has more twists and turns than my golf swing).
Neil & Norm have spoken to state and federal politicians, council, the water board, local sporting
bodies, schools and other organisations to generate this as a community based project. Any local
citizen can indicate support by sending an email to water@kareelagolf.com.au.
My message is direct – things ARE going to get better. Your Board is vigorously pursuing avenues
which will not only get this course back on track but will generate improvements in the coming months
and years. Please give us your continued support.
The council have indicated the following timetable for repair of problem greens:
- 2nd green – out until late July
- 5th green – out until end of May
- 6th green – out until late July
- 7th green – out until late June
- 10th green – out until late May
Additionally, the water problem in front of the 1st green will be properly investigated and rectified.
Minor repair work will also be done to another 5 greens. Because of the problem with the greens, we have asked the Council to reduce green fees until such time as the majority are back in play. The Council was very receptive to the suggestion and will confirm their response early next week.