After 30
years the long wait is over with development consent granted
in May 2002 for
the long awaited finishing of the spectacular Vincentia
Golf Club course high on the top of the hill
with world class views over Jervis Bay.
This project has been in progress
for many years and has examined and reported to all environmental
and planning authorities, both Federal, State and Local
Government. During this time the course design has had
29 changes to reflect the sensitive area and endangered
flora and fauna. Jervis Bay is a unique area and the Club
has had to amend our plans to meet the expectations of
the 21st century with as little disruption to the landscape
as possible.
endangered Eastern Bristlebird
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This has meant
excluding almost 5 hectares to accommodate the endangered
Eastern Bristlebird (dasyornis brachypterus) in its
natural heathland setting. Two birds actually live
on the site with another four ranging across two
boundaries from NSW Jervis Bay National Park which
almost totally surrounds the new project. These ground
dwelling birds are quite vulnerable to feral cats
and foxes though very curious as they have been seen
in the club carpark. |
Whilst the
course as displayed may appear quite short at 2549 metres
PAR 34 it will be more than challenging as clearing of
fairways
will be the only clearing with the rough consisting of
heathland, sedgeland, spikey hakea, rocks and 3 water hazards
very close to greens and fairways.
Combined with our current 9 holes consisting
of 2908 metre PAR 36 we will have a 5457 metre PAR 70 golf
course. How
the NSW Golf Association sets an Australian Course rating
will be most interesting with the penal nature of the
natural hazards. A rating on distance would be 67 but commonsense
should see a rating of 68 or 69 once the course is in
play. If not, members can look forward to their handicap
moving in the wrong direction for a period of time.
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The course is
being constructed in stages to conform to the strict
clearing guidelines with the least possible disruption
to the site. With the many natural restraints (lots
of sandstone rocks, old quarry area, etc) it will
be difficult but rewarding. With shallow acidic
soils an irrigation system is being established
and greens are being built to a championship standard.
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Clearing
commenced on 30/6/03 after approval of Environmental
Management Plan and clearing has occurred on
15th, 16th, 17th & 18th holes. The first two
holes are now completed and construction is continuing
on the next two holes. The 16th
fairway has been leveled and
fairway grass sown. The 16th green surrounds area has
also been built and grass sown. It is expected that both
the 16th & 17th holes will be completed in 2007.
This will give us 13 holes available for play and will
allow many different possible 18 hole configurations.
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