Wollondilly Council has copped a torrent of criticism over the wording of its advertisement calling for expressions of interest for historic Antill Park golf course.
Critics include Marie Reeves, a direct descendant of the Antill family, who says council has shown a lack of transparency regarding its intentions.
This is the wording in the council advert that has caused social media uproar in the past few days:
“We want an operator to share our commitment to social and economic value to the Wollondilly LGA through development of complimentary or alternative uses for the existing golf course.’’
The “alternative uses’’ is what has upset both current golf users and Wollondilly residents, some of whom are concerned the 90 acre site may end up a housing development.
Mayor Matt Gould told the South West Voice in Macarthur on Friday night that Antill “would always be a golf course’’.
However, he could not explain the wording of the advertisement which has caused all the consternation.
Not least with Ms Reeves, who has been trying for more than 20 years to save Jarvisfield, the historic homestead being used as the club house at Antill golf course.
While some minor repairs have taken place over the years, Jarvisfield requires major restoration work, but council says there isn’t enough money available for it.
Ms Reeves has offered to buy Jarvisfield and a small parcel of land from council, with a view to restoring it to its former glory.
But council has shown no interest in her offer.
“I don’t think the residents of Wollondilly should trust the Council as they have not been transparent in regard to their intentions with Jarvisfield,’’ says Ms Reeves.
“I have approached the Council on numerous occasions over the past decades to sell the homestead to me along with a small parcel of land so I can restore it and rectify the shameful neglect that has befallen the property, but they blatantly refuse.’’
Ms Reeves says there should be a parliamentary enquiry into the original compulsory acquisition of the property from the Antill family in the early 1970s.
“The Antill sisters, who were the owners of the property at the time, raised many objections regarding the resumption and were willing to negotiate a long term lease, but to no avail,’’ she says.
“The sisters made a heartfelt plea to the Council stating that the old homestead and the remaining surrounding land was “the centre of our ancestors’ activities from the beginning of the nineteenth century and was also our very own home during our childhood. It is our only tangible connection with our family’s history and its loss would be heartbreaking to us’’.
“Their plea was given no regard by the perpetrators of this deed,’’ Ms Reeves told the South West Voice yesterday.
She also pointed out the terms of the original resumption state “to resume the land described in the Schedule hereto for the purpose of providing, controlling and managing grounds for public recreation, convenience and enjoyment”.
“I don’t think the Council should be allowed to use the land for any other purpose,’’ she said.
On social media, council responded to the critics who asked what “alternative’’ uses meant.
“Council is committed to Antill Golf Course remaining a golf course, with no plans to sell off the land at the site and no intent to change its current operating model.
“Due to the fact the lease with the current operators is due to end in early 2023, Council is required by law to openly tender for the operation of the golf course as the current lease has no option for renewal,’’ council said.
“The Tender itself involves a long term lease and appreciating that Council are not golf course experts, we are keen for the future operators to share their long term vision for the golf course and grounds to ensure the needs of the community are met and future generations can enjoy this wonderful asset.’’
Tenders close on December 14.
Thank you Eric for your commitment to the community.