The City of Mount Gambier discussed leasing options associated with the Queen Elizabeth Park Trust (QEPT) and the Blue Lake Golf Course in confidence at the Council meeting on Tuesday 21 May 2019.
It follows a confidential deputation from the Blue Lake Golf Club made to the Operational Standing Committee meeting on Tuesday 14 May 2019 and a confidential letter from the QEPT regarding the lease of the Blue Lake Public Golf Links due to expire on 30 June 2019.
“Council has been approached by both the QEPT and Blue Lake Golf Club in regard to the future of the golf course. Council has considered both approaches in confidence and has given due consideration to a fair and reasonable outcome for the community and the parties involved,” City of Mount Gambier Acting CEO Barbara Cernovskis said.
Council resolved to offer the Blue Lake Golf Club a five year lease comprising of a one year lease and four by one year right of renewal for the entire golf course including all buildings, facilities and infrastructure including as a standard clause the right to sublet with Council consent.
Council will provide a $75,000 operational grant in the first year and may provide horticultural services on a fee for service basis.
Council’s willingness to enter into a lease with the Blue Lake Golf Club is subject to KPIs agreed to by Council and a detailed asset management plan being developed by the Blue Lake Golf Club with the assistance of Council.
The resolutions provide the formal parameters for Council to negotiate the lease and conditions for this community site.
Council also requested as a matter of priority to engage with the QEPT to discuss their future intentions in regard to the lease over the Blue Lake Holiday Park (caravan park).
There is still a lot of work that needs to be done, however, all parties have received the information positively and have been in agreeance to support Council’s position to facilitate a fair and reasonable outcome for the community and all parties involved.- City of Mount Gambier Acting CEO Barbara Cernovskis
Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Media and Communications Coordinator Sharny McLean on 8721 2401 or smclean@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
