Claims popular Sydney golf course is being considered as new cemetery site

One of Western Sydney’s oldest and most popular golf courses is at the centre of a new turf war, which people say will turn green space into dead space.

The golfers’ paradise, Carnarvon Golf Course in Lidcombe, could soon serve a new heavenly purpose, local MP Lynda Voltz claims.

Voltz believes the course, located a stones throw away from Rookwood, is one of three sites on crown land being considered by the government for a new cemetery as Sydney runs out of burial space.

“This is the biggest golf course in Western Sydney it is one of a busiest sporting precincts,” the member for Auburn told 9News.

Golfer Brian Forrester said the decision would impact thousands.

“We’ve got 800 members here plus thousands of non-members who play here as well, so all those people are going to be effected,” he told 9News.

The fight for Sydney’s fairways is a familiar one.

Despite a fierce campaign to keep it in tact, the government is set to halve Moore Park Golf Course for public green space, as North Sydney council investigates other purposes for Cammeray golf course.

But some believe this could hit even harder

“You’re taking something that’s an active precinct for living people and absolutely handing it over to people that are no longer here,” Voltz said.

While many are teeing off at the idea of losing another of Sydney’s golf courses, the state government insists that no decision has been made.

“Any preferred sites that are pursued for new cemeteries will be done in consultation with key stakeholders and the community,” Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper, said in a statement to 9News.

The club hopes it will be still able to celebrate its centenary of play in 2027.

“We have 10 years on our lease and the fact that we’re even being considered is obviously a concern,” Carnarvon Golf Club general manager Adam McGregor told 9News.