Registered Clubs Could Unlock Land

Australia’s registered clubs are sitting on a wealth of surplus land which could be used to help ease the housing crisis.

Analysis by the McKell Institute of surplus land held by golf clubs, bowling clubs, RSLs and leagues clubs says it could generate tens of thousands of dwellings in New South Wales alone.

It says the surplus land is a “significant and overlooked” source of potential housing supply.

According to the report, registered clubs are among the largest private institutional landowners. The clubs are often within prime locations and already within walking distance of public transport.

“Importantly, this housing can be delivered without closing a single club,” it says.

The model assumes clubs retain their core operations, developing only the surplus portions of their sites: overflow car parks, underused function spaces, driving ranges, or greens that can be consolidated.

It says there are planning barriers in New South Wales as clubs are on land zoned for Private Recreation.

Victoria’s Development Facilitation Program names golf courses and racing tracks as candidates for fast-tracked rezoning. Queensland has created a pathway for community housing on faith and charity-owned land.