On the 19th of October, Vincentia Residents and Ratepayers Association submitted a letter to the Shoalhaven City Council’s Mayor and Councillors about the challenging and stressful situation the Vincentia community has found themselves in as a result of the Country Club St Georges Basin (CCSGB) closing the Vincentia golf course and clubhouse on the 26th of August, 2024.
In the past week, both VRRA and Vincentia Matters have both submitted letters to Shoalhaven City Council’s Mayor and Councillors in solidarity for Vincentia Golf Club’s re-opening immediately. Here is the text of VRRA-CCB’s letter:
Mayor and Councillors
I am writing to you on behalf of the Vincentia Residents and Ratepayers Association, the
Community Consultative Body for Vincentia.
There are currently urgent issues threatening the economy, environment and character of
Vincentia, that require the Council’s urgent intervention, specifically pertaining to the opening of
Vincentia Golf Cub and grounds after its sudden closure on the 26th August.
Over recent months a dispute has existed between the members, residents and other users of the
Vincentia Golf Club (VGC) and the Country Club St Georges Basin (CCSGB) – its partner since the
2016 merger (amalgamation) of the two entities.
The dispute is around the means of accounting for costs and charges by the CCSGB against the
VGC operations. The CCSGB claim the results of its accounting indicate the VGC is a financial
liability. CCSGB entered into discussions with a Seniors Living developer to sell & develop part of
the golf course.
The proposal for a development was dependent on the CCSGB members agreeing to transfer a
parcel of land from “core” to “non-core” in terms of its usage. Of the 538 CCSGB members who
voted, 415 to 123 rejected the land transfer proposal.
Instead of recognising the democratic process and the voice of its members, the Board
immediately closed the Vincentia club and course down, affecting the whole of the Vincentia
community.
Businesses, accommodation outlets, and citizens of the community are justifiably distressed at the
sudden closure. The effect of the loss of this major facility for Vincentia that provided recreation,
sport, dining and a place for community meetings and social gatherings, has been devastating for
many, and the mental health of some has been negatively impacted.
We need common sense and consideration toward health and well being to be at the forefront of
every decision within our community, followed by the influence to the economy of the area. The
decision to suddenly close the whole of the premises down, failed to recognise the importance of
the tourism industry and the damage to our local economy – especially to the businesses reliant on
the tourism sector over the coming summer months that supports many hundreds of people.
Vincentia Residents and Ratepayers Association, the Community Consultative Body request the
immediate advice of Shoalhaven City Council on action it will take and what support it will
provide to Vincentia residents and the broader community to have Vincentia Golf Club and Course reopened. The community dispute the reasons for the sudden closure of Vincentia Golf
Club and the loss of related infrastructure from member, visitor, holiday makers and public use.
This single issue has divided our once harmonious Bay and Basin communities. An iconic Vincentia
asset has been closed, to further the interests of another community asset.
In conclusion Vincentia Resident and Ratepayers Association request the Council’s urgent
attention to facilitate in reopening the Vincentia Golf Club. The reopening is important for the
welfare of our citizens and the economy of the Bay and Basin area.
We are available to discuss the matter further with you if this will assist the Council#s
deliberations.
Sincerely,
Ken Buckley
VRRA-CCB President
Vincentia Ratepayers and Residents Association Inc.
ABN 86 629 730 208
PO Box 149 Vincentia NSW 2540
Email vrra.ccb@gmail,com
Web www.vrra.org.au
A copy of VRRA’s letter to SCC can be downloaded here. Please share this with your neighbours, family and friends.