Wodonga Council has denied it has plans to close additional informal accessways onto the golf course, after the blockage of a Down Court easement sparked protest and fears all accesses would be removed.
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Club pro Gavin Vearing told members and residents gathered at Wednesday’s protest council told him they were looking at blocking all access points, but on Thursday Wodonga Council said no further restrictions were under consideration at this time.
In a statement council said the land was part of the road reserve and they “have a obligation to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of all the community”.
“The move was prompted by reports of vehicles also crossing the reserve in the golf course and damage to public and private land,” it said.
“The movement of walkers and vehicles in the area, taking into consideration the surrounding shrubbery and driveways in the area were all considered when making this decision.”
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A council spokeswoman said they recognised the issue has an impact on private property and council was open to talking more with the community about the issue.
Wodonga Ratepayers Association president Ian Deegan said the organisation and club members were prepared to fight to see access from Down Court to the golf course restored, as it never should have been blocked.
“When the estate was established, it had all these entrances onto the golf course so golfers would buy houses,” he said.
“Now they’re going to block that off, it’s going against what people bought their house for.
“There’s been no problems, there’s actually no reason they should do this, there’s been one complaint.”
Mr Deegan said there were other issues in the area with a resident tying up a neighbouring access point most nights so carts can’t get through.
“If we win this battle we may well win the war,” he said.
Mr Vearing said the closure of any more access points would “infuriate a lot of club members”.
“They’ve been here a lot of years, that’s why they bought their house it’s close to the golf course,” he said
He said more than 300 people have signed a petition to reopen the access point, with many concerned it will cause delays in emergencies.
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Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
