Golfers tee off at stadium plans

MOST WA sport fans are excited to know that with the development of the new Burswood Stadium they may be able to get a seat to a football derby, but the project has not delighted golf enthusiasts quite as much.

A petition created by Shaun Westwood on May 4 says that since the new stadium will be built on the back nine holes of the Burswood Park Golf Course, a decision has to be made about what to do with the remaining front nine holes.

It says the government is proposing to close the whole golf course because they believe a nine-hole course is not viable.

“The action to close the entire golf course would not be in the best interest of the City, its citizens, visiting tourists or anyone that cares about preserving what is arguably one of the State’s premier golf courses,” the petition said.

In just over a month, over 400 signatories some from as far as Greece have signed the petition statement which reads: “We, the undersigned, ask the State Government to put aside the idea of shutting down the Burswood Park Golf Course in entirety, instead continuing to use the area of the existing front nine as a golf course.”

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said there had been no decision to close the whole golf course and that the viability of running a nine-hole course after the northern nine holes were closed was a matter for the Burswood Park Board.

The Burswood Park Board was approached for comment but referred the matter to the Department of Sport and Recreation.

Comments from the petition:

Narelle Duzevich-Tripp, Burswood: “We do not need to be surrounded by more concrete. Leave something for the wildlife.”

Marie McWaters, East Perth: “We are short of green space and this another example of government grab on public space.”

To sign the petition visit www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-burswood-park-golf-course-front-nine.html.

What everyone else is thinking

Kevin

12/07/2012

Burswood is a unique, first class golf facility. It is open to everybody at very affordable rates. It's position contributes a beautiful environment for both citizens and wildlife. Commercially, it is a major draw to overseas visitors situated close to the casino and hotel. Why destroy a grade A facility to build another stadium? Because the developers want the added value of retail outlets situated around the perimeter with views of the river!
It's a disgrace.

Stanley

29/06/2012

Here is an even greater chalenge for golfers that want the 18 greens. First go round the 9 useing the Right hand then go round again useing the Left hand. Or the Left then the Right. That would give more even exercise for the body with about the same amount of walking. Greater fun learning to do it the other way also. Think, how many golf pros can do it both ways! Even if you start the tee-off with the other hand it is a start and only requires the one reversehead club to begin with :)

?Taffy John

22/06/2012

Jack is obviously a l Labor Party stooge, or a Union bigot!! Stanley is looking outside the square, and has come up with a plausible idea. Others seem to be the types that object to any, and every, new proposal that is put forward. I say, not every one wants to tramp around 18 holes under a burning hot sun, or pouring rain (shock, horror!!!), so let's have the new Oval, and 9 holes, and/or Stanley's idea to boot!!!!

21/06/2012

Build the two into the one. Construct one of them practice golf tee-offs from the uper levels of the stadium. Thats good for golfers that can not walk far.

Hoover

20/06/2012

I am a golfer and have enjoyed playing at the Burswood even if it eates my golf balls but a big shame to close it . heres hopeing things will change!!!!!!!

Richard Treasure

In this country, if you are a footballer, you get the best of everything, if you are sick, the best you can hope for is a swift demise

George

19/06/2012

It's a bit late now, but I don't know why the oval wasn't built on the Belmont Raceway site. Perth doesn't need two race tracks. This would have completed a dynamic sporting/entertainment area with football, golf, tennis, casino, hotels and a good transport infrastructure. Everybody happy??? Anyway, glad to see the oval finally getting started.

Jack

This is but another block in the Emperor's jigsaw. He is unsure how to govern the State so keeps on putting forth projects to waste our money(s).
Look at the "foreshore" development - what an 'orrible phrase.
All media argument has been on the name of the development and that of surrounding streets. THE REAL QUESTION is whether the development and vandalisation of the Perth foreshore should actually go ahead.
A very nice piece of sleight of hand and distraction!
Short live the Emperor - even his Porters are deserting him. Who is going to carry him through future elections - "the chair sniffer"? This government is rapidly proving to be the joke it was from the start!

Chuck

i agree keep the golf course, what a waste , shame , shame

malcolm

To have sacrificed one of perths best and most popular golf courses is a disgrace . It would have been sense to keep fit playing golf than sitting on bums watching football .

David

What makes it OK to destroy an inner city park, replacing it with a concrete monstrosity, thus adding to the traffic chaos, noise, and all at a cost of $1.3 BILLION dollars, making this a priority above roads, hospitals, rail links and water resources ? Western Australia wake up, its madness.