Well, what an eventful year, dominated of course by the Armageddon of floods in April which had an enormous impact on the course with significant infrastructure damage and debris scattered across the entirety of the course. The impact on our staff and members was profound. However, with a wonderful response by our staff and volunteers there are now few remaining signs of this significant disaster to be seen. A truly wonderful effort by all concerned. The course is back in magnificent condition, great work Nick and team.
On a more positive note, the staff, Board and Club can be proud of a string of significant achievements in the few short months following that disaster. It should also be noted that we had five flood events in a twelve month period culminating in the April 2024 disaster event. It should also be recognized that our achievements in responding to that disaster has occurred without a single dollar of grant funding support from Government. Some of our achievements of the past few months:
Trees – There has been significant improvement with the grant of tree management approvals by Council allowing us to make great progress with removals and/or pruning. Trees were impacting on the playability of the course, shading tees and greens, route intrusion, and safety issues. Significantly we have now developed a good relationship with Council and our arborist who is undertaking much of the work utilizing TAFE students which has the side benefit of making the work cheaper for the Club. Many Thanks to Bob Neilson and Italo Baraldi for their persistence in making this work happen. The Board has also approved a quote for further work in the very near future that will include the removal of all the unsightly tree stumps.
6th Bridge – The work to re-install the pre-cast concrete bridge planks will at last be done this week. The bridge will then be back in use until the long term replacement bridge utilizing the semi-trailer body can be installed (subject to DA approval).
16th Retaining Wall – As previously advised the DA was approved around this time last year, and while work to replace the retaining wall, dredge the dams, raise the bridge, install a concrete path (from the bridge to 17th tee), and extend the 17th tee is yet to commence, subject to the remaining approvals and weather conditions work should commence in the next few months.
Works Compound Crib Room – Work to replace the staff amenities building in the works compound which has been long overdue commenced last week. The building was rotted out and will be demolished and rebuilt. Thanks to our major sponsor and wonderful club man John Anthony for his significant and continued support of the club in undertaking these works at “mates rates”.
Spray Unit – A new tractor mounted spray unit was recently purchased with our old spray unit becoming unworkable. It is hoped (subject to the availability of parts) that we may be able to get the old unit repaired giving us a back-up unit providing the flexibility of independent operability so that we can have both in use as needed (one for greens and the other for fairways). A new independent spray unit is in excess of $100K so repairing the old unit at a likely cost in the order of $15K to supplement the tractor mounted unit is a good option to be explored.
New Carts – Members will have noticed the three flash new hire carts on the course. The Board is looking at the option to gradually replacing the cart fleet with carts of our own. This will occur as funding allows in concert with the expiry of existing lease arrangements. The economics of transitioning to our own JGC owned carts makes sense.
Heaters on the Deck – The Board has approved the acquisition and installation of new sensor activated electric heaters for the deck. These will be installed in the near future and improve the atmosphere on the deck for our members and social groups over the cooler months.
Renewal of 4th lease area – Club Jamberoo and Jamberoo Golf Club have agreed to new terms for a ten year extension of our current lease of land covering the 4th green and practice area which expires in September 2025.
Grass Bunker Next to 3rd Green – The sand bunker on the 3rd hole has been removed and replaced with a grass bunker, which is much more practical and will mitigate flood impacts
Repair of the irrigation system damaged by the Floods – Our pump shed at the 17th dam was flooded in the April floods and required significant expense to repair and replace damaged components. This was not covered by insurance.
Repair of the Bore and Pump system damaged by the floods – Thebore its pump and electrical system (in the trees right side of the 10th fairway) was damaged by the floods and required significant work to repair and replace damaged components to get it working again.
Repair of the 12 Toilet Damaged by the Floods – The sewerage pump on the 12th hole toilet was also damaged by the floods and also involved significant repair costs with the pump needing to be replaced.
Treasurer Vacancy
The position of Treasurer still remains vacant, and the Board is keen to recruit a new director with the requisite skills and experience to fill that position. Any member who has the necessary skills should contact Linda in the office or myself.
In closing I take this opportunity to wish all our members, staff, volunteers and their families a happy and safe Christmas period. I will look forward to catching up with you all over that period or in the new year.
Phil Hahn
President