Bert Van Manen (Forde, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That this House:

(1) notes that:

(a) the sport of golf provides $3.3 billion in annual benefits to the Australian community, economy and environment;

(b) household expenditure on golf activities and facilities is $10.3 billion, including $6.7 billion by golfers and locals, and $3.6 billion for golf tourism;

(c) there are over 1,603 places to play golf across Australia, including 1,406 golf courses, 184 driving ranges, 115 mini golf courses and growing indoor simulator and entertainment venues;

(d) the social benefits of golf via physical and mental health and neighbourhood amenity by golf courses is valued at over $1 billion; and

(e) the health benefits of golf are highlighted by the fact that Australian golfers walk 280 million kilometres annually; and

(2) acknowledges the great work that peak national bodies including the PGA of Australia, Golf Australia and WPGA Tour of Australasia have done and continue to do to promote the game of golf.

The benefits of golf extend far beyond the boundaries of the golf course. From building communities to preserving our natural treasures, from promoting physical and mental wellbeing to contributing to our economy, golf is a sport that enriches us in many ways. Across my electorate of Forde, there are five golf courses: Carbrook Golf Club, Windaroo Lakes Golf Club, Riverlakes Golf Course, Meadowbrook Golf Club, and the Beenleigh RSL and Mt Warren Park Golf Club. Each of these clubs plays a significant part in the community—economically, environmentally and socially, and for mental health benefits. As we look at the work that these golf clubs do across my community, we see those benefits each and every day, from the juniors all the way to those older—or, more advanced in age—golfers who enjoy getting out on a Saturday morning and having a hit, and everyone in between.

We also see the big headline tournaments both overseas on TV and also here locally in Australia. Later this month the Australian PGA championship will be held in Brisbane at the Royal Queensland Golf Club. The Australian PGA championship is one of the major highlights of this year's summer of golf and will see the world tour season commence in Brisbane. An all-star field of Australian and international players will compete for the Joe Kirkwood Cup and some $2 million in prize money—the richest prize on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia.

Approximately 3.5 million Australians have participated in various formats of golf over the last 12 months. Currently, there are over 1,600 golf facilities in Australia, including golf courses, minigolf courses, driving ranges and a growing number of indoor simulators and entertainment venues. Importantly, golf generates around $10.3 billion per annum in household expenditure, which includes $3.6 billion associated with golf tourism. I know, as I go out on some of my local courses, I well and truly contribute to that via balls lost or mis-hit in the process. Golf tourism attracts visitors from around the globe, showcasing our picturesque courses and promoting local businesses. From the golf equipment manufacturers to the hospitality services, the industry generates employment opportunities and stimulates economic growth. Furthermore, golf events, both local and international, draw attention to Australia on a global scale, showcasing the country as a premier destination for sports and recreation.

I want to take this opportunity to mention a few of those events at my local golf clubs, which I mentioned earlier. The Carbrook Classic is a staple on our local golf calendar every year, bringing together golfers from not just South-East Queensland but around Australia to compete in a two-day event on one of the best golf courses, I believe, in South-East Queensland. The Windaroo Lakes Golf Club have a pro-am series every year, of which I am proud to be but a small sponsor. Again, they bring together a range of golfers from around the country, particularly trainee professionals and other professionals, who have the opportunity to hone their skills on a terrific golf course, which used to be the host of the Queensland PGA many years ago. The Mt Warren Park Golf Club holds a veterans day every year, in memory of our veterans and to raise funds for their veterans services. It's always well attended by our local community.

Importantly, many of these golf clubs also have function centres and restaurants that not only support the golfers when they're out playing but also provide the ability for community groups to host events at these various centres. All of this contributes to the fabric of our society. These golf activities generate important benefits for golfers and the community at large. I know at Windaroo Lakes—I think it's once a month—they have a ladies 'chip & sip', which my wife has enjoyed more than once. I suspect there's more sipping than chipping, but the ladies thoroughly enjoy the afternoon and it's great to see them out on the golf course. It's also for the juniors. I want to thank all of our golf clubs for the tremendous work they do right across our community.

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