Lord Mayor tees off LIV Golf negotiations
The Adelaide City Council and state government will begin formal negotiations to move LIV Golf to North Adelaide, though public access, fencing, and green space are council concerns.
Last night, the council voted in favour of Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith and council CEO Michael Sedgman to negotiate with the Malinauskas government for the tournament’s move to North Adelaide.
Protecting the park lands, no permanent fencing and keeping the golf course public were key concerns raised in the discussion.
Premier Peter Malinauskas briefed the council on their plans to move LIV Golf from its flagship home at Grange Golf Club to the city spot on Monday night, which Lomax-Smith said gave councillors “greater insight” into the opportunities and complexities of the project.
Lomax-Smith said the premier has made it clear he’s committed to the golf course remaining publicly owned and operated, and any fencing for the tournament being temporary.
“Importantly, the premier is also keen to see only a modest loss of significant trees,” Lomax-Smith said.
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“The council has managed and invested in the golf course for more than 100 years and are the experts on its topography, drainage, biodiversity, heritage and soils,” she said.
“We now look forward to sharing our knowledge with the state government to ensure the best possible outcome for the community.”
Lomax-Smith said the council is committed to working closely with the Malinauskas government “within the parameters of Council’s adopted strategies and policies to achieve a mutually beneficial arrangement.”
She and the council CEO will work with the state government to develop a memorandum of understanding including the conditions for a long-term lease for the golf course.
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“I would also expect the MoU would stipulate that all costs related to the investigations and delivery of the proposed move of LIV Golf to the North Adelaide Golf Course will be borne by the state government,” she said.
This comes after councillor Keiran Snape told InDaily last week he won’t support the move due to human rights concerns over the event sponsor and threats to public access to green space.
Snape said he still opposes the event taking place in North Adelaide but is pleased with the progress the council is making.
“While I still oppose the event and the North Adelaide location due to the concerns I’ve previously outlined, I’m glad that council has taken on board my positions regarding minimising tree loss, no permanent fencing and proper public consultation in regards to its negotiation stance,” he said.
“It’s the best result of a tricky situation.”
Negotiations will be confidential, but councillors will receive a report of the plans when details can be publicly released.
Cam Smith was watched by big crowds and welcomed the call to extend Adelaide’s tenure as a LIV host. Photo: AAP.
The state government announced plans to redevelop the North Adelaide golf course after this month’s tournament, with the first North Adelaide edition of LIV Golf earmarked for 2028.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the investment “will deliver a high-quality outcome for our park lands, improvements for members of the public who want to play at North Adelaide, and importantly, provide a new home for the growth of LIV Golf Adelaide.”
The re-design will be overseen by LIV Golf board member and former professional golfer Greg Norman.
“North Adelaide Golf Club is basically a diamond in the rough and we’re going to unpick it,” Norman said.
