FoVGC members attended an information session with the Country Club Directors and the Oakstand CEO, David Cullen (https://www.oakstand.com.au/ ) on Thursday 6 June 2024. The meeting was essentially a presentation by the developer about the possibilities and concepts behind their interest. At the suggestion of FoVGC, members from three Vincentia golf sub-clubs were also invited and attended.
The Country Club and Oakstand have been in discussion for 12 months - more intensely over the last 6 months and signed a Heads of Agreement yesterday. Oakstand were given a framework to work within and have come up with a concept of what they see as possible in developing an over 60's senior living facility. It is important to note that nothing presented is more than a concept at this stage.
A 3 phase process over 21 months was outlined to get from now to works commencing. This will involve consultation lead by a consultant - primarily with a representative committee but also directly with impacted land owners. Phase 1. Planning the development - scope, footprint, options (3 months); Phase 2. Pre Development Application: discussions with Council and other bodies to smooth the way for the DA (6 months) and Phase 3. The DA approval (12 months).
Oakstand presented their credentials for doing this type of development and also presented examples of their previous development and similar developments done by others.
Basically the concept is for between 150-170 over 60s retirement units in staged "pods" of about 30 units of up to 3 storeys on an approximately 4-5 hectare site. There would be a mix of 1,2 3 and possibly 4 bedroom units. Residents would be able to age gracefully in their units with home support (built in care) provided as needed. A high dependency unit of 30 beds would be provided for those who reach that stage. A central facility for the seniors living could contain a pool, gym, pickleball courts, a cafe, a cinema, a bowling green, a meeting room, a restaurant etc. There would be provision for golfers and Club members, as either shared access with the resident's facility, or perhaps a separate clubhouse.
The potential footprint for development included the car park, clubhouse, a portion of the 1st, 10th, 11th, and 13th and some of the land where the future golf holes could be. A possibility is to complete the development of the future holes to keep the number of holes about the same (13). We hope to be able to provide the presentation on our website when it is provided.
Disappointingly, the Country Club did not explain the process whereby one developer was chosen or how this provides the best return to Country Club members when compared to an open tender process. It is not clear how this proposal's merits have been assessed against other alternatives and some of the suggestions put forward by FoVGC and other members. A business case for the need to sell VGC land has not been forthcoming. It is worth noting that the developer was not averse to considering leasing options (but this was not put forward as an option by the Country Club).
The focus of the Country Club Board has now changed to promoting the shiny new club idea rather than how or why it has got to this point. FoVGC continues to challenge the validity of the Tully Heard report and the decision making process to this point. It seems the Country Club is seeking to divert community and member focus to this proposal by the developer. It could be very tempting to focus on achieving the best plan for the site rather than the transparency and rationale of the decision to sell land in the first place.
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