The modern playground, wetland and recreational area at Deep Creek remain open to the community despite the course’s closure. But the club cafe, bistro and function rooms – also included in recent upgrades – are currently closed.
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Despite the costs associated with reopening the course, Paton celebrated the feasibility report as a sign of hope for local golfers.
“It was very heartening to know that we’re not fighting a losing battle here. This is a good cause to stand up for,” he said.
The report also proposed two more potential options for the land, which is the largest open space within Pakenham. Residents will now have the opportunity to vote on whether they want to see a golf course reopened, or whether the site should be transformed into either a passive or active space.
Providing adequate sporting spaces is another issue facing the area. The council’s Active Cardinia Strategy estimates that sports like football, soccer and baseball will all struggle for facilities across the next decade.
Salv Mileto, president of the Pakenham Football Club, said the local football community would benefit from more oval space.
The Pakenham Golf Course after it closed this year.Credit: Wayne Taylor
“For us, it would be fantastic,” he said. “It would be an advantage if they did utilise even part [of the golf course].
“If you’ve got more space … you can get everyone there. There’s more opportunity for all of the teams to train,” he said. “It would really help the community, especially the footballers and other sporting clubs.”
But this option is the most expensive. The council feasibility report estimates costs of up to $20 million to build a new sports precinct.
Cardinia Mayor Jack Kowarzik said that it is now up to the community to decide what will happen to the site. But he said the council has no intention of rezoning and selling the land.
The club’s modern facilities have also been closed since April.Credit: Wayne Taylor
“Council now needs to understand community preferences for the future of the site and their thoughts around the options that were identified in the feasibility report,” Kowarzik said.
This step in the process is estimated to be completed later this year. And while residents understand that there is procedure to follow, they are eager for the space to be reopened to the community as soon as possible.
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Rob Nobelius, who was president of the golf club for 14 years until it went into administration in 2023, called it a “crying shame” that the facilities are currently sitting empty.
“I’d love to see it up and running again as a community hub, with golf being there in some aspect … With all the development around Pakenham, there’s a big market out there now,” he said.
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