More than 50 residents and members attended a community consultation on Thursday, April 16, as uncertainty continues over the future of the Canungra Area Golf Club.
The session, led by Defence and Department of Finance representatives, forms part of a broader plan to divest surplus Defence land across Australia, including a portion of Kokoda Barracks currently leased to the golf club.
According to a Defence spokesperson, the proposed changes follow an independent Defence Estate Audit, which identified 67 sites for potential divestment to ensure the Australian Defence Force maintains facilities suited to its operational needs.
“The Department of Finance is leading the divestment process, including consideration of interest from potential buyers and any conditions of sale,” the spokesperson said.
“Feedback from this session will inform the site divestment and transition plan, undertaken in coordination with the Department of Finance, for the overall divestment process.”
Attendees reported differing experiences of the consultation format.
Rather than a single open forum, officials were stationed at individual tables, allowing for smaller group discussions.
Canungra Area Golf Club president Andrew Major said the structure made it difficult for the broader group to receive clear and consistent information.
“It honestly sounds like their decision has already been made up,” he said.
“We’ve got so much history here that it would be a shame to see it go.
“We’ve had thoughts about how the area could be developed as a broader sporting precinct, with golf alongside other sports, because there are already dressing sheds, toilets and space for sporting fields and other community use.”
He also raised concerns about the practical implications of the process, including funding opportunities, existing financial commitments and limited notice periods.
“They have said they would give us about a month’s notice, and that creates real challenges when we have equipment, leases and ongoing costs,” he said.
“It’s also becoming harder to secure grants and maintain confidence when people do not know if the club will still be here.”
Some attendees described the overall atmosphere as tense, with frustrations expressed about the level of clarity provided on the night.
However, others came away with a more optimistic view.
One local said Defence representatives indicated the land would first be offered to government bodies, raising hopes it could remain in public ownership.
“That was reassuring to hear, and it gives some confidence that the golf course could continue to operate for the community,” the attendee said.
Defence has stated that individual divestment timelines will vary depending on factors including commercial complexity, heritage and environmental considerations, with further community engagement expected as the process continues.
