Fencing at Yanchep golf course is proving contentious with the local community.
Camera IconFencing at Yanchep golf course is proving contentious with the local community. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Wanneroo Council driving towards decision on Yanchep golf course fencing

Laura PondNorth Coast Times

A DEFERRED decision regarding fencing at a Yanchep golf course is expected to be resolved at next Tuesday’s Wanneroo City Council meeting.

Sun City Country Club’s retrospective development approval application for the installation of chain mesh fencing and barbed wire along sections of the course bounding Yanchep Golf Estate was discussed at the March 28 briefing session but removed from the meeting agenda to allow City staff to investigate questions from residents.

The club installed the fencing late last year near the boundary of adjoining properties on Parkland Drive, Birdie Grove and Bunker Crescent, in addition to an existing 1.1m-high post, rail and mesh subdivisional fence.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

The City’s report includes additional information responding to residents’ concerns about the safety of children and animals given the 0.5m gap between the two fences, impact on their health and wellbeing, fire and emergency evacuation and disputes of the club’s vandalism claims.

However, its recommendation remains the same, which is to approve the application subject to the removal of barbed wire and reducing the height of the fence posts to 2.1m.

Councillor Linda Aitken asked planning and sustainability director Mark Dickson a range of questions at this week’s briefing session, including reasons for the club rejecting estate developer Peet’s alternative fencing offer.

Peet had offered to cover the costs of removing and disposing of the existing subdivisional and chain mesh fences and erecting a 1.8m PVC mesh fence.

Mr Dickson said he received a four-page email that reiterated the club’s position that the fence was needed for safety and security purposes but did not specify why the offer was unacceptable, and did not believe it was presented to club members.

Cr Aitken also asked whether the City could still take compliance action against the club if fencing was approved and whether the chain mesh fence was suitable, given the City was seeking to replace that at Marangaroo and Carramar gold courses with a garrison-style fence.

Mr Dickson responded that the council could resolve to include a condition seeking compliance actions against the club and that the type of fencing was the club’s decision.

Cr Natalie Sangalli queried the City’s report that said “the chain mesh element of the fencing integrates with the character and landscape of its surrounds” and suggested photos showed it did not.

Mr Dickson said it “provides a balance” between maintaining views of the golf course and addressing the club’s concerns.

Deputy Mayor Dianne Guise told attendees that Mayor Tracey Roberts, who was absent, intended to move an alternative recommendation at the May 30 meeting.

MORE: Perth woman living in Manchester describes ‘eerie and sombre’ feeling in city in wake of terror attack

MORE: Topshop Australia placed in voluntary administration

MORE: Kingsley man charged after strip search