UPDATE: Helensvale Golf Club’s major breakthrough
On Friday September 15, the following General Business item was passed unanimously regarding the future of the Helensvale Community Golf Club:
1. That Jigsaw continues operation of the Helensvale Community Golf Club site until 30th June 2019, as per the current lease agreement.
2. That the land continues to operate as a golf course facility and there be no further investigations into potential future alternate uses.
3. In preparation for the conclusion of the current lease arrangement, that planning for a tender process commence to seek an entity for the ongoing management of the golf course and associated facilities.
4. That the Gold Coast District Golf Association be informed of Council’s decision.
Councillor William Owen-Jones posted on his Facebook page: “My thanks to the representatives from the Gold Coast District Golf Association, the PGA and players who met with the Mayor, Cr Vorster and myself yesterday and voiced strongly their position regarding the need to keep the course open,”
“Since the initial council decision there has been clear support for golf to continue to be played on this City owned facility,”
“It’s was indeed very pleasing to see this matter resolved positively.”
August 14, 2017
The future of the Helensvale golf course is up in the air after the Gold Coast City Council requested a report for the future use of the area.
Leasee Jigsaw intends to continue with the current lease until its expiry on June 30 next year, however, Jigsaw wish for the club to continue to operate well beyond that date.
For that reason, Jigsaw began exploring options upon which the lease term could be extended into the future to secure certainty to members, including the possibility of different operating models. Jigsaw also flagged the possibility of any new arrangements being put in place as and from 1 July 2018 of before.
The council voted last week to explore other uses for the are including sport fields or parklands.
Last week the Community Service Committee had voted to find a new lease for the golf club, Mayor Tom Tate put forward the amendment to reconsider the use of the course, built at the lowest part of Helensvale.
Helensvale Councillor William Owen-Jones said he would prefer the land to remain as a golf course. “It’s important for the people of Helensvale that the public remains the owner of the golf course reserve, in particular the park which provides a drainage function,” he said.
According to a note form the club this week, Jigsaw intends to strongly challenge any action to close the club and it seek the support of members.
A save our club (SOC) meeting has been convened for 7pm on Tuesday August 15, where members and local residents will be provided with further information and attendees can find out what they can do to help save the club.
Source: Gold Coast Bulletin & Members letter
