Wodonga Golf Course Residents Petition Parliament to Block Housing Development

A new push is underway to protect the Wodonga Golf Course from urban sprawl, with a formal petition calling on the Victorian Legislative Council to reject a proposed housing development on the site.

Started by Steve Martin (steve.martin@vic.liberal.org.au), the petition requests that the State Government intervene to block any attempts to rezone the land for non-recreational use, arguing that the site holds irreplaceable value for the region.

A Hub for Community Health and Heritage

According to the petitioners, the Wodonga Golf Course is far more than just a sports venue; it is a vital piece of green infrastructure that provides recreational, social, and health benefits to families, juniors, golfers, walkers, and local residents.

The petition highlights the deep cultural roots of the property, describing the course as “an important part of Wodonga’s identity and heritage, with long-standing community connections that cannot be replicated elsewhere.”

Threat to 18-Hole Viability

A central concern raised in the petition is how a housing development would impact the layout and functionality of the course. Organizers warn that reducing the facility to fewer than 18 holes would “fundamentally compromise its viability, making it less attractive for members, visitors, competitions, and ultimately threatening its long-term future.”

While acknowledging the broader need for regional growth, the petition notes that “while there are many areas already available for housing development, there are no suitable alternative sites for a golf course of this scale within the region.”

Measuring Value Beyond Financial Return

The petitioners are urging state decision-makers to look past short-term financial gains when assessing the future of the land, stating that “open green space should not be measured solely by development yield or economic return.”

The document stresses that the course delivers significant environmental, social, and public health value that would be permanently lost if the rezoning is approved.

“Once this land is rezoned and developed, it cannot be replaced,” the petition warns. “Future generations will lose access to this space forever.”

The petition concludes with a formal call to action, demanding the Legislative Council ensure the long-term protection of the land under its current zoning for community recreation and environmental benefit.