Local golfers can rejoice with the future of the Mossman Golf course finally secured after a new lease agreement was struck between Council and the newly-formed Mossman Golf Club Incorporated.

Douglas Shire Council resolved to buy the golf course land and facilities from Douglas Shire Community and Sports Club Inc, and lease out the operations, at an Ordinary Council Meeting in Mossman today.

The new lease will give local golfers a firm grip on the future of the site with the Mossman Golf Club Incorporated set to operate the golf course and clubhouse with support from the Mossman Memorial Bowls Club.

Council initially resolved to purchase the land during an Ordinary Council Meeting in July, when the current owners expressed that they could no longer continue operating it in the wake of COVID-19, casting doubt over the club's future.

At the time Council offered the lease to the Mossman Memorial Bowls Club, however, the club declined the offer believing it would be more appropriate for golfers to operate the course.

The issue was put on hold until a resolution was found, with the golf club opting to create its own board to take on the lease to help secure its own future.

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Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the outcome was a fantastic result for the community.

“The Mossman Golf Club is such an important part of the community – run by the community – and it needs to stay that way,” he said

“Ratepayers have got a deal that is well under par and secured an asset for the newly formed Mossman Golf Club Inc to grow into the future.”

Mossman Golf Club Incorporated President, Geoff Goodwin, said the outcome was a win-win for the community.

“Our newly established board has worked hard over the past few months to ensure we have robust governance and systems in place,” he said.

“We have big plans to grow our junior sports participation and take a lead in sports tourism by attracting players from outside the region to this magnificent course.”

“I can really see it thriving and developing into a club that our community can be proud of.”

The 18-hole golf course, which is open seven days per week, includes a 1.42-hectare freehold block of land and has a clubhouse with a licensed bar and dining area, commercial kitchen, golf pro shop, male and female change rooms and toilet facilities.

“We are very grateful to the Douglas Shire Community & Sports Club Inc that has provided unwavering support in the planning and transition arrangements so there are no disruptions for club members, staff and the community,” Mr Goodwin said.

“Thanks to Kym Rowley, the board, Kevin Rynne, the Bowls Club board and Douglas Shire Council, particularly Mr Terry Farrelly and his team, for ensuring the Mossman Golf Club continues to stay as a community asset in the Shire.”

Mossman Memorial Bowls Club General Manager, Kevin Rynne, said the golfers taking over the course was the ideal outcome for the community.

“The best formula for success is for the golfers to be in control of their own destiny,” he said

“Mossman Bowls Club is standing by and supporting the golfers by helping them set up their operation and ensure they can operate in a professional manner.

“Council has done a great job getting it to this point and our club members are very much looking forward to seeing how our two clubs can complement each other.”

Douglas Shire Community & Sports Club Incorporated General Manager, Kim Rowley, said the golf course would be in good hands.

“It is especially great to see the golfers take control and they will make it work,” he said.

The Mossman Golf Club Incorporated will take over the site from 1 December 2020.