Media Statement: Shire of Dundas Addresses Ongoing Issues at Norseman Golf Club (Reserve 13004)
Published on Monday, 1 December 2025 at 8:41:23 AM
MEDIA STATEMENT
Shire of Dundas Addresses Ongoing Issues at Norseman Golf Club (Reserve 13004)
Date: 1st December 2025
The Shire of Dundas is providing an update to the community regarding ongoing concerns with the Norseman Golf Club (located on Reserve 13004,) recent Facebook comments, and action taken by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH).
Department Action Underway
Following numerous public complaints and formal correspondence from the Shire, the Department is progressing an investigation into the Golf Club’s Management Order.
Fire Risk and Public Safety
The site has become a serious bushfire risk due to unmanaged vegetation and accumulated waste. Emergency works were undertaken by the Shire to reduce the immediate threat to:
- Norseman District High School
- Ampol Service Station
- Norseman Gateway Caravan Park
- Great Western Motel
- BP Service Station
These actions were essential to protect the wider community and were undertaken while all relevant State departments were notified. Any associated costs may be recovered from the responsible parties.
Key Issues Identified
- Community Exclusion: The Golf Club has discouraged access to the grounds and the club by locals and tourists alike, by failing to advertise AGMs (as required), or making membership forms available, effectively excluding the community from a public asset.
- Breaches of Conduct: The person who claims to have management of the club has repeatedly engaged in harassing and inappropriate behaviour toward Shire staff, and we have received complaints from concerned residents and visitors trying to access this location. The behaviour is breaching community standards and the Code of Conduct.
- Reputational Damage: The club’s actions have damaged the Shire’s relationship with Nullarbor Links and impacted Norseman’s role in the world’s longest golf course, a key tourism asset.
- Unsafe Conditions: The clubhouse is not suitable for human use, and the site has deteriorated into an illegal dumping ground.
- Lack of Local Representation: Listed Golf Club members are non-residents of Norseman, making community collaboration and support difficult to provide.
Historical Governance Concerns
- There have been claims on social media that the previous CEO supported the Golf Club. However, no Council resolution exists to support this, and no formal records have been found in Shire financial systems to reflect approved expenditures.
- The current CEO was not delegated to undertake such actions and is now addressing these legacy governance failures to ensure public accountability and transparency.
Community Complaints
- A large number of complaints were lodged by residents, tourists and Nullarbor Links, stating that the course had been effectively turned into a rubbish tip. Photographic evidence has been provided by many visitors, and this has been submitted to the Department.
- Despite the significant concern, the Golf Club has never made a formal request for support via a Committee resolution, in line with community partnership processes and has instead maintained an adversarial stance toward the Shire.
Next Steps
- Await the Department’s submission to the Minister for revocation.
- Continue monitoring fire risks and undertake mitigation where needed.
- Prepare a formal report to Council to establish future plans for Reserve 13004, to revitalise the golf course to a welcoming area for locals and tourists to enjoy a round of golf, under Shire management.
The Shire of Dundas remains committed to transparent governance, community safety, and the fair management of public assets. We thank the community for its ongoing feedback and patience as we work toward a sustainable resolution that ensures Norseman remains an inclusive and welcoming destination.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Peter Fitchat
Chief Executive Officer
📞 (08) 9039 1205
✉️ shire@dundas.wa.gov.au