Thursday, 18 June 2026

 Wendy LOVELL (Northern Victoria) presented a petition bearing 3154 signatures:

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council the proposed rezoning of the Wodonga Golf Course for a housing development. The Wodonga Golf Course is a vital part of the community, providing recreational, social, and health benefits to a wide cross-section of the community, including families, juniors, golfers, walkers, and local residents. Reducing the course to fewer than 18 holes would fundamentally compromise its viability, making it less attractive for members, visitors, competitions, and ultimately threatening its long-term future.

Open green space should not be measured solely by development yield or economic return. The course delivers significant environmental, social, and public health value that would be permanently lost if rezoned. The course is an important part of Wodonga’s identity and heritage, with long-standing community connections that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Once this land is rezoned and developed, it cannot be replaced. Future generations will lose access to this space forever. While there are many areas already available for housing development, there are no suitable alternative sites for a golf course of this scale within the region.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council to call on the Government to reject any proposal to rezone the Wodonga Golf Course for non-recreational use and ensure the long-term protection of this land under its current zoning for community recreation and environmental benefit.

Wendy LOVELL: As this petition qualifies for debate under standing order 11.03(10), I give notice that I intend to move ‘That the petition be taken into consideration’ on the next day of meeting.