Geelong’s Lara Golf Course improvements to ensure sustainability

The City of Greater Geelong  is investing $3.4 million into the popular Lara Golf Course to ensure it remains sustainable and a destination course for golfers in the region.

Water security initiatives, worth $2.4 million, have begun and will continue for around eight months. This will include drainage and dam remediation works, upgrades to course irrigation and a feasibility study into long-term sustainable water solutions.

A total of $1 million worth of upgrades are planned for the driving range and pro shop. At this stage, these works may start in September/October 2025.

Timings around the upgrades’ duration and closures may change without notice.

Council has worked with the Project Control Group, made up of stakeholders from the golf club and City, on how to best manage the closures and reduce impacts to golfers.

The impacts have been communicated to 297 active members, while signage around the course will inform casual users.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj notes “Golf is one of our region’s most popular participation sports.

“Council is committed to ensuring Lara Golf Course is sustainable in the long-term through $3.4 million in upgrades.

“While the rolling works to the fairways, greens, driving range and pro shop will cause short-term disruptions, they will future proof this facility and ensure a superior experience for the most discerning golfer.

“We thank members and users for their patience during this time.”

With the course irrigation works soon to commence, there will be significant impacts to operations of the course during this time. The first nine holes will need to be closed approximately September/October 2025 to December 2025/January 2026, pending planning permit approvals. Play on the second nine holes will be affected from December 2025/January 2026 to April/May 2026. Council is currently working through strategies to ensure the most efficient use of the course during this time.