CLUB NEWSLETTER

The Club engaged legal firm Elite Legal to assist with the development of a Heads of Agreement (HoA) with Pariter in progressing a development proposal with the Club. After much negotiation this has now been signed and Pariter is commencing their Due Diligence on the project.

A meeting was held with Pariter in late January where the process and timelines were outlined. The Due Diligence will be in three stages – Site Viability (approx. 3 months), Financial Viability (approx. 3 months) and, if deemed potentially successful by both parties, a Development Proposal will be drafted for members approval.

It is intended that a Member Information Night will be held following each Stage to update members on how the project is progressing.

As some questions have been raised recently by members who did not attend the Members Information Night last year, the following information is provided for clarification:

The Heads of Agreement provides Pariter with an “exclusivity period” of 12 months to undertake due diligence on the property owned by the Club and, in collaboration with the Club, consider the feasibility of the development of the Scheme. This period may be extended for an additional 12 months if required.

It has been agreed between both parties that the project must be designed to:

– Deliver an ongoing incomes stream for the Club

– Not reduce the rating, length or quality of the golf course, facilities or amenities of the Club

– An 18-hole golf course to remain operational at all times throughout the development.

During the Exclusivity Period, all external Project related costs will be funded by the Developer, with each party (the Club and Pariter) covering its own internal costs. If the project is deemed viable and receives members approval, the costs will form part of the overall project costs. The Club also has the option of funding its share of these costs which will increase the Club’s equity in the Project.

If the project is deemed viable and does not receive members approval, the Club will be responsible for 50% of these costs.

However, if the project is not deemed viable following the feasibility stage, or if Pariter elects not to proceed for any reason, all costs will be borne by Pariter and there will be no cost to the club whatsoever.

Bowls Update – Joel Roche The Men’s Major Singles Final will be held on February 12 to crown the 2023 Club Champion. The match gets under way at 12.30 between Joel Roche and Grant Seal. The Men’s and Women’s Club Pairs will also be commencing in the next few weeks which will be the last of the Club Championships for the current year. Belmont has 5 Teams in the Midweek Club Challenge that kicks off on 1 March. Good luck to all teams. Barefoot Bowls has been going very well. If anyone wishes to book any parties, please book early as the weekends are filling fast. There will be a Pennant Team “get together” for all teams on February 18 in conjunction with the gala commencing at 12.30.

Golf Carts You may be aware that we have had 2 golf carts stolen recently. Our CCTV was able to identify the thief and he has been arrested and charged. One cart has been found but the other has not been located as yet. There was also another incident where a packet of cigarettes and the key was stolen from a cart left near the Bag Drop Area. If you see any suspicious behaviour or persons on Club property, please advise our management or Pro Shop immediately. Security systems are being enhanced to ensure that carts cannot be removed from the premises or taken into the carpark area without authority. In the meantime, all members are requested to NOT take carts into the carpark, do NOT leave keys in the carts (return them to the Pro Shop) and do NOT leave carts unattended anywhere except in the front of the Pro Shop.

Catering

Members are advised that our current caterer Eduardo, will be leaving the Club and our new caterer Pradeep will be taking over the operation of the bistro and café from 20 February. 

Kylie, Kath, Rob and other staff will be remaining at the Club for the foreseeable future. Pradeep has a very successful career in the catering business and is very enthusiastic about commencing at our club.

We wish Eduardo well for his future endeavours.

Pony Club Land – Update Council representatives are working with the Board’s Strategic Committee to develop a Lease Agreement for the Pony Club Land. This would allow the Club to commence planning for use of this land whilst its re-classification process proceeds, which is expected to take approximately 18 months. This will then enable the Club to purchase the land. Whilst the Council still needs to approve the concept of leasing this land to the Club, it is supported by the Council representatives and is expected to be considered by Council with a determination expected within the next month or two.