Goldfields grass golf course wins $10.5million Government support

8/5/02
The Kalgoorlie-Boulder community is set to enjoy a major boost to lifestyle, sporting and tourism opportunities after the State Government today committed $10.5million to the region's long-awaited grass golf course and resort development.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan announced that the Government had agreed to negotiate a Heads of Agreement with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder for the development of a grassed 27-hole golf course and resort in Kalgoorlie's North-West sector.
Main components of the agreement include:

• a State Government contribution of up to $10.5million in direct and indirect funding towards development of the golf complex;

• development to be undertaken by the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. The city will fund the remainder of the development cost, estimated to be more than $4million;

• development of 490 residential lots in the North West sector by LandCorp; and

• the return of any excess profits from the residential development to the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder to offset its golf complex development costs.

Ms MacTiernan said the funding was a major contribution towards ensuring Kalgoorlie had access to the amenities and lifestyle choices to which it was entitled as a major regional centre.
"The proposed development is aimed at attracting and retaining a skilled workforce to the area, as well as supporting the growth of the region as an important tourism centre," she said.
"It will act as a catalyst for economic development generally, with consequent benefits to small business and employment in the region."
Ms MacTiernan said the development provided an excellent opportunity for the Government, through LandCorp, and the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder to work closely to ensure the golf course, resort and residential project achieved a high quality integrated outcome.
The Minister praised the Member for Eyre, John Bowler MLA, for his efforts in facilitating the proposal and working to win support within both the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community and the Government.
Mr Bowler said the project was an important part of the region's campaign to arrest a decline, due in part to an increase in fly-in, fly-out mining operations.
"Offering these sorts of facilities helps mining and other companies attract and retain their workers locally which, in turn, benefits the health of the whole community," he said.
Ms MacTiernan said LandCorp would now work with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder on drawing up the Heads of Agreement.
Under those arrangements, the golf course would be an initial 27 holes, with the capacity to be expanded to 36 at a future date.
"The development included land for an associated resort which would add further impetus to the tourism industry and help create more local jobs," Ms MacTiernan said.
The complex would be the new home of three existing golf clubs - Hannans, Kalgoorlie and Boulder - but would include a minimum guaranteed access to the general public.
LandCorp's residential development would ensure a continuity of land supply for Kalgoorlie-Boulder well into the future.
"Significantly, part of the State's contribution will come from sales to LandCorp of crown land in Kalgoorlie for residential and industrial development," Ms MacTiernan said.
"The funding also includes provision of $450,000 to match funds being sought from the Federal Government for flood mitigation.
"This will form part of a water harvesting plan that will trap and use storm water for the golf complex, providing significant environmental benefits."
Minister's Office - 9213 6400