Rachel intended to speak on a petition opposing the rezoning of Rossdale Golf Course in Aspendale for housing development. While she did not get a chance to speak in the chamber, Rachel’s speech is published, below. In her speech, Rachel noted that the flood-prone land sits adjacent to the internationally-recognised Ramsar site of Edithvale Wetlands. Not only does the environment provide an essential wildlife corridor but presents as an insurance risk to any future residents of the proposed housing development.
Wednesday 19th of November 2025,
Rachel Payne (South-Eastern Metropolitan):
I have heard from many of my concerned constituents regarding the Rossdale Golf Club’s push to rezone its land from Special Use to Residential. They have raised concerns that this rezoning is being considered without Council and community input. Because of the efforts of my constituents, today we debate this petition calling on the government to oppose the rezoning and call for sustainable development that safeguards the broader trend of rezoning golf courses.
Council and community opposition
The City of Kingston opposes the rezoning of Rossdale Golf Course. They note its proximity to wetlands, flood risk, and its critical role in supporting tree canopy and wildlife – all of which make this redevelopment a serious threat to the environment and the future liveability of our community. Council is concerned about the process behind this proposed sale and development. The land is privately owned by Rossdale Golf Club. Any financial gain would benefit the club, not its members or the wider community. Nationally, golf club membership is growing. Rossdale’s own membership has doubled since the 2018 decision to sell. Yet no effort has been made to sell the land as a golf course.
Kingston Council believe the scale of the proposed redevelopment will do little to boost the Victorian government’s housing targets and that other areas in Kingston could be developed without such significant environmental risks. Unlike the government, Kingston Council is on track to meet its housing targets. Rossdale land was never considered or needed to achieve this, yet the government has railroaded its development without notice or meaningful engagement. Council is deeply disappointed by this decision.
Ramsar wetlands site
Rossdale Golf Course is also a lifeline for our community. It buffers our flood-prone neighbourhood and provides vital habitat for irreplaceable bird species. Given Rossdale’s proximity to the internationally significant Edithvale wetlands, the proposal to convert this land into medium–high density housing is deeply alarming.
These wetlands are the last remaining remnant of the Carrum Carrum Swamp, a rare variety of freshwater and saltwater wetlands. They provide crucial refuge for the threatened Australasian Bittern and support more than 1% of the global population of the Sharp-tailed Sandpipers that migrate across the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. Local research backs up the environmental value of golf courses like Rossdale. A University of Melbourne study examining metropolitan golf courses across South East Melbourne found they support higher biodiversity than many other green spaces. Our wetlands are not only environmentally significant, but they also hold deep social, cultural, and economic value for all Australians.
They are integral to First Nations People’s cultures, who have used and cared for our wetlands thousands of years. If the government is truly committed to strengthening the lives and cultures of First Nations peoples, then disrupting the delicate balance of these wetlands cannot be seen as meaningful or responsible change.
High flood risk
The wetlands and green corridors surrounding Rossdale are not idle land, they are essential flood buffers. Rossdale Golf Course sits on a flood plain. With Melbourne Water projecting worsening flood risks from 2030 onwards, any redevelopment here is shortsighted.
Another point of concern for myself and the community on this development is the issue of insurance.
I am already hearing from my constituents in the South East who are seeing their home insurance premiums rise. I worry that redevelopments like Rossdale will push those costs higher or leave some residents unable to obtain insurance at all. We know that high flood risk and socioeconomic disadvantage go hand in hand. Australia’s most vulnerable are least likely to have an insurance safety net when disaster strikes. In the midst of a cost of living and housing crisis, the Victorian government must not funnel lower income people and first home buyers into homes that may ultimately be uninsurable and financially devastating just to meet their failings in delivering housing stock.
We at Legalise Cannabis Victoria support boosting Victoria’s housing, but it needs to be in the right places.
Related:
- Rossdale golf course redevelopment threatens biodiversity
- Zoning loophole raises alarm on environmental safeguards
- Prevent landfill breaches
