Golf Course: A solution for housing needs? Public perception and attitudes: Case studies from metropolitan Melbourne
This research paper aims to determine local resident’s perception, the land use changes and economic effects associated with the idea of relocating and more importantly, redeveloping golf courses as a contribution to the curbing of urban sprawl.
With the aims and objectives of Melbourne 2030 defined, it is evident that metropolitan Local Government Areas (LGAs) will be under increasing pressure to create or locate areas of land that can be utilised for residential housing to conform with the Melbourne 2030 guidelines.
It is apparent that local residents are overwhelmingly negative when encountered with a plan to redevelop their local golf course into residential housing. The majority of the responses from the two case study sites (Croydon and Riversdale Golf Clubs) indicated that they were not in favour of the redevelopment of their local golf club.
This study also provides an understanding on whether there is a difference of perception between local residents of a golf club that will be developed and residents living around a golf club that has no plans for redevelopment. This comparison facilitated a gauge on whether residents that have not been exposed to a plan for the redevelopment of their local golf course are more agreeable to the concept because they have not been heavily involved with the process.
Resident attitudes toward the redevelopment of golf courses is relevant in whether a proposal for redevelopment is approved. It was found that residents around Croydon Golf Club, where plans for subdivision have been submitted, were not in favour of the redevelopment proposal. It was also found that, residents around the Riversdale Golf Club were also opposed to the redevelopment of their local golf course to residential housing.