Wests Illawarra is asking members to agree to a 30-year lease of Port Kembla Golf Club to developer Swing Factory. Photo: Wests Illawarra.
Port Kembla Golf Club will be leased for at least 30 years and undergo a major redevelopment if a proposal by owners Wests Illawarra is approved.
The golf club amalgamated with the Unanderra-based club in 2014.
Now Wests Illawarra members will be asked to endorse a plan by the board and management for a 30-year lease to golf venue developer and operator Swing Factory.
The club will hold an Extraordinary General Meeting on Sunday, 14 September, to allow members to vote on the proposal.
Under the Registered Clubs Act, clubs cannot dispose (sell, lease or licence) of real property without members’ approval if the real property concerned is “core property”, as is the golf club.
Wests’ CEO Danny Munk said the club’s vision was to ensure Port Kembla Golf Club remained a first-class golfing destination.
“It will preserve the high standard of the course while introducing modern facilities, upgraded amenities and enhanced member experiences,” he said.
“Under this proposal, Swing Factory will make a significant capital investment to redevelop the driving range and clubhouse, as well as deliver substantial infrastructure enhancements to the existing golf course.
“Importantly, this approach is designed to safeguard the long-term viability of the course, maintain its contribution to the local sporting community and create opportunities for growth in participation, events and tourism.”
Swing Factory’s website describes the company as an “Australian entertainment-based business formed to develop golf driving ranges into fully equipped golf entertainment businesses”.
“The team behind Swing Factory is uniquely placed and brings a wealth of golf industry knowledge and driving range expertise to the organisation in both the operational aspects of a driving range and the ground-up building and development of facilities.”
Swing Factory operates venues at Terrey Hills in Sydney and Morack Public Golf in Melbourne. Last month, it announced a multi-million-dollar redevelopment at Maitland, which it says will “deliver a state-of-the-art venue blending advanced golf technology, premium social facilities and family-friendly fun”.
“It marks another milestone in the company’s mission to create Australia’s first nationwide network of community-oriented golf driving range venues,” a press release announcing the redevelopment said.
Wests Illawarra’s notice of general meeting to members said if the proposal were endorsed, Swing Factory would “fund and deliver substantial redevelopment works in accordance with approved concept plans”, including:
- Construction of a modern driving range
- Installation of mini golf facilities
- Refurbishment of the clubhouse
- Reconfiguration and upgrade of the golf course, and
- Construction and funding of a new irrigation system (subject to lease commencement).
The notice says the land (comprising the golf course, driving range, clubhouse and carpark) will be leased to Swing Factory for 30 years with an additional option for a lease of up to 20 years.
“Should the motion be passed, a detailed planning and Development Application process will commence,” Mr Munk said.
He said the DA was expected to be lodged in November and the club anticipated approval in July 2026. The irrigation works will be targeted for winter 2027.
“The board and management are committed to keeping members and the community informed at every stage and will continue to prioritise transparency and consultation throughout the process,” Mr Munk said.
The extraordinary general meeting will be held on Sunday, 14 September, at Wests Illawarra, Hargreaves Street, Unanderra, at 10:30 am.
