Surf Coast Shire Decision Penalises Members

TORQUAY Golf Club members will have to wait even longer for an upgrade to their golf course, after a decision by the Surf Coast Shire to defer RACV's water harvesting proposal.

RACV Executive General Manager, Member Interests, Sue Blake said Council's inability to reach a decision on water harvesting has dismayed and disappointed Torquay Golf Club members who have been waiting for the upgrade to begin since RACV lodged its application in September 2009.

"Member frustration with Council must be very high given almost 12 months of waiting with an end still not in sight," said Ms Blake.

Last night the Council deferred the proposal to allow the Torquay Golf Club to harvest 100 megalitres of water a year from storm water pipes within the Jan Juc area. The Department of Sustainability and Environment had confirmed that the water harvesting proposal complies with government policy, which encourages storm water capture and re-use for such purposes.

"We are pleased that Council publicly acknowledged RACV has fully complied with all of its requests for information including detailed reports on engineering design, water flows and environmental impacts."

However the Council decision will further stall the start of the $90 million Torquay Golf Club redevelopment, which is a disappointing outcome for the Torquay Golf Club members and other RACV members who visit the area.

"The 1,200 members of the Torquay Golf Club are keen to see this matter resolved and it is disappointing that Council has not made a decision," said Ms Blake.

"Our proposal will advance long term improvements to the Jan Juc creek system, removing high volume stormwater flows that damage the creek environment whilst securing a sustainable supply of water for the golf course to improve playing facilities for the thousands that play the course every year."

"The Torquay project is a significant investment for RACV and will deliver a spectacular tourist and recreational facility in one of Australia's most beautiful regions," said Ms Blake.

"It will provide the club's 1,200 members and RACV members with a wonderful facility and we also anticipate it will bring more visitors to the Torquay area as a result."

"The Torquay community will benefit from a boost in jobs during the construction phase with 100 or so new jobs at the club in the long term.

"RACV remains committed to this project and hope that the Surf Coast Shire will complete its consideration of the water harvesting proposal as quickly as possible."

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