Fairbairn Golf Club is reeling from a shocking Defence sell-off, with Canberra Airport eyeing a prime opportunity!
Imagine being a loyal member of a golf club, only to discover its future is uncertain because the land it occupies is slated for sale. That's precisely the situation facing the Fairbairn Golf Club, a beloved institution nestled on 65 hectares of land near Canberra Airport. Members were blindsided when the course was included in a list of 68 Defence properties to be divested, especially since the club had just renewed its lease for another five years in July of last year. This news has sent ripples of disbelief through the club's community.
The Fairbairn Golf Club has a rich history, established in the 1960s on what was once a Royal Australian Air Force base. Its strategic location, adjacent to Canberra Airport, has immediately sparked interest from the airport itself, which sees this as a significant potential opportunity to expand its holdings.
Club president, Brian Depree, recounted the moment he received the news. "We were certainly shocked," he admitted, describing the announcement as coming "out of the blue." He's scheduled to meet with a Defence official to get more clarity on the situation, including understanding what has changed, particularly concerning the course's role as a perceived green buffer between a live-fire range and nearby residential areas.
This unexpected development has put a temporary halt on the club's 10-year development plan, forcing them to pause any significant investment decisions. While the club had previously expressed interest in acquiring the golf course, Mr. Depree acknowledged that competing in the commercial market would be a considerable challenge.
Regarding timelines, Mr. Depree remains in the dark. The new lease, while seemingly a safeguard, contains an 'exceptional circumstances' clause, which could allow for an early sale. However, he notes that Defence is not known for its swift actions. "Defence is historically slow, and I’m not sure this is the most attractive land to sell compared to some of those others that they are looking to sell," he mused, adding, "So, whether there’s any interest, I guess time will tell."
But here's where it gets potentially complicated... A significant unknown is the extent of PFAS contamination from historical firefighting foam use. Defence has been conducting tests near the old firefighting area on the course's periphery, and low levels have been detected in the soil. "Whether that’s going to stop anyone developing it, I’m not an expert on that," Mr. Depree stated, highlighting a potential hurdle for any future development.
Fairbairn Golf Club boasts 882 members from all over Canberra, with a strong contingent of ex-Defence personnel, though fewer current members. Mr. Depree has assured them that it's business as usual, emphasizing that the club remains the cheapest game in Canberra.
Meanwhile, Canberra Airport's Group Head of Property, Richard Snow, sees the sale as a clear chance to integrate the 65-hectare site into the airport's existing infrastructure. However, he remains pragmatic, stating, "We just have to work out how that golf course is going to be sold, what are the restrictions, what it all means." He acknowledged the unique location within a Defence-focused precinct and is keen to understand the full implications.
Property Council ACT & Capital Region Executive Director, Ashlee Berry, suggested that given the current zoning, housing development might not be feasible. She believes the land's best use would be to bolster the ACT's supply of industrial and commercial land, aligning with the area's established warehousing and logistics operations. "We have other sites that really should be focused on housing, and it’s something that should be focused on commercial and industrial land," she commented.
This situation raises some intriguing questions: Should a golf course, especially one with historical ties to Defence and a significant membership base, be prioritized for sale over community use? And with potential contamination concerns, how will this impact the future of the land and the club? What are your thoughts on this unexpected turn of events? Let us know in the comments below!
