Planning Panel Overturns Recommendation of Long Reef Golf Club Redevelopment

The Northern Beaches local planning panel has unanimously rejected a $21 million redevelopment proposal for Long Reef Golf Club, despite the project receiving prior backing from council staff.

The decision halts a major master plan intended to replace a clubhouse that leadership describes as no longer fit for purpose.

Basis for Refusal

The planning panel identified several core issues in its unanimous ruling:

• Scale and Bulk: The proposed structure was deemed too large for its coastal setting on community-owned land.
• Information Gaps: The panel stated there was “insufficient information” to properly consider the application.

Club Response

Long Reef Golf Club General Manager Ben Russell expressed disappointment, noting that the application had already undergone rigorous assessment by independent assessors and council planners who had recommended it for approval.

“This decision is disappointing, particularly given the application was rigorously assessed and recommended for approval by Northern Beaches Council’s professional planning staff and an independent planning assessor,” Russell wrote in an update to members.

Russell specifically contested the panel’s claim that technical details were missing, asserting that “comprehensive documentation, technical reports and submissions” had already addressed construction and site matters.

“The club maintained a collaborative relationship with Council throughout the process and understood the proposal met all necessary criteria for approval,” Russell said.

Future Outlook

The club intends to review the decision and investigate alternative development options, though leadership maintains that a total overhaul is necessary.

“Our current clubhouse is approximately 60 years old and is no longer fit for purpose for the needs of our members, guests, staff, hospitality operations and broader community,” Russell said.

He emphasized that the long-term objective remains “to deliver a modern, sustainable and high-quality facility that supports the club’s future and strengthens Long Reef’s role as a significant community asset.”