Canning councillor says ratepayers will not pay for Whaleback Golf Course driving range upgrades
Whaleback Golf Course is set to receive upgrades to its driving range but councillors say the changes won’t be bankrolled by ratepayers.
A perimeter fence will be installed around Whaleback’s driving range in a bid to reduce the number of balls flying from the range, after a Canning City council decision last Tuesday night.
Upgrades will also be made to the golf course’s building, lighting, landscaping, kitchen, kiosk and toilets.
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The works are part of a business case which the city has kept confidential.
The Whaleback Golf Course. Credit: Andrew Ritchie/Community News
“I understand that with all the business cases being confidential, the public might be a little concerned about the amount we are proposing to outlay on the project,” Cr Michelle Hurn said.
“I think the current state of the golf course is such that future revenue streams are likely to be substantially impacted, and there’s also considerable safety concerns.
“Doing nothing is not a viable option at this point in time unless it was intended that the golf course was going to discontinue operations.
“Budget estimates result in a scenario where ratepayers are not going to be asked to subsidise the golf course . . . if either of these projections change, then council would definitely be reconsidering the scope of the work that’s being proposed.”
Whaleback — which is the only golf course in the City of Canning — has always been a public course but it was only in December that the City of Canning took over management responsibility.
Whaleback Golf Course will be upgraded. Credit: Whaleback Golf Course
It was previously operated under private management by Peter Hopkins for more than 40 years.
“Investment in infrastructure and Whaleback will realise a modern, fit-for-purpose, multifunctional golfing facility that will protect Whaleback from competitive pressures,” a staff report reads.
“The development will allow Whaleback to satisfy the growing golf market as well as attract new customers from within the local community to ensure that Whaleback holds its position as the leading provider of golf in the south and south-east metropolitan region of Perth.”
The city allocated $450,000 for the “structural integrity” of the Whaleback Golf Course driving range in the 2022-23 financial year.