The future of Antill Park Golf Course in Picton was secured by Wollondilly Shire Council last night, with Council reconfirming its commitment to the site in Picton remaining an 18-hole public golf course.

Council has re-affirmed that no part of the site is to be sold to developers for high density housing or any other purpose, nor will Council consider developing any part of the site for residential housing.

Council decided to reject all tenders in line with the process required under tendering legislation, as none of the submitted tenders fully met the tender objectives.

Council has decided to negotiate with the Antill Park Country Golf Club as the preferred tenderer to seek to enter into a new long-term lease, giving them an opportunity to fully meet the tender objectives.

Mayor Matt Gould said, “I’m delighted to confirm that Council has, by following this tender process, secured the future of Antill Park Golf Course and will now be negotiating with the Club as the preferred tenderer to seek to agree terms for a lease of the course.”

“I am disappointed with some of the public commentary on the matter that suggested Council did not have best interests of community at heart.”

“These rumours are not helpful to anyone and should not be the way we do things here in Wollondilly. This decision should put that view to bed once and for all and demonstrate that elected Councillors are working to get the best outcome for our community in our decision making.”

“Council is bound by the Local Government Act which meant we needed to publicly seek Expressions of Interest for the operation of the golf course, which ensures an open and transparent process.”

“This process was overseen by an independent body and advised by an independent probity advisor. We followed the process to make sure we could reach the best outcome for the whole Wollondilly community.”

“The independent probity advisor has assured us that from all the information that has been provided there is nothing to support any inference or allegation that any part of the tender process was ever compromised.”

As the preferred tenderer, Council is providing the Antill Park Country Golf Club with an opportunity to fully meet the tender objectives. Under the terms of Council’s resolution, if an agreement can’t be completed by the end of April, Council will:

• Extend the current lease with Antill Park Country Golf Club by up to 12 months to provide certainty to members whilst negotiations continue with the club.
  
• Negotiate with both Antill Park Country Golf Club and the second preferred tenderer with a view to entering into a contract for the operation and management of Antill Park Golf Course under a new lease.

“I thank the community for their patience and understanding as Council works hard to secure the best possible outcome for the whole of the Wollondilly Shire,” said Mayor Gould.

Following the negotiations, a report will be presented back to Council to make the final decision on the lease.