Government pledges support for community sport amidst plans to carve up public golf course
Image: AAP Image, Dan Himbrechts
by GRACE JOHNSON
The Minns Government has announced a major boost for community sport, allowing sports clubs across NSW to apply for more funding under the Local Sport Grant Program.
The announcement comes after it was declared that the popular Moore Park Golf Course will be cleaved, with 20 of its 45 hectares to be carved off the course and made into parkland.
Though the government claims that the parkland will create more “green space,” including for grassroots sport and recreation, the fact remains that the government-owned golf course is for the public. The club charges only $2000 to join, as opposed to the $30,000 that other golf courses in the area charge.
The new program, launched today, will provide $4.65 million in funding to NSW sporting organisations, with $50,000 per electorate and grants up to $20,000 for individual clubs.
NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said, “The NSW Government understands the vital role community sport plays in keeping people healthy, active and socially connected.
“Never was this more evident than during recent natural disasters and the pandemic.
“This program will provide vital funds to community sport groups to purchase new equipment, improve facilities and deliver programs that enable people of all ages and abilities to participate and enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation.”
According to Premier Chris Minns, the increased housing density around Green Square, Zetland and Waterloo has created demand for more parkland and sporting facilities that are more accessible to the wider community.
Green Square’s urban renewal area is currently home to 33,000 residents. City of Sydney has predicted that 80,000 people will live within two kilometres of Moore Park by 2040.
City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore told media that the golf course was no longer the best use of the land after major urban renewals.
It is unclear whether a golf course with only nine holes will survive. Certainly, competitions will no longer be possible.
At the moment of publication, City Hub is awaiting comment from President of the Moore Park Golf Course, John Janik.
