Work has officially commenced on one of the most important behind-the-scenes projects in Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort’s recent history, with preparation now underway for the Club’s new Maintenance Compound.

Approved by Council in January, the project will deliver a modern, secure and purpose-built facility for the Club’s ground staff, volunteers, machinery and equipment, while also creating major long-term benefits for members, golfers and visitors.

The site of the new compound has historically been used as a storage and dumping area for rubble, construction materials and other fill. In recent weeks, the area has been undergoing extensive preparation, including a major soil screening process to remove debris and recover usable material.

That process has already produced more than 10,000 tonnes of sand, which will now be reused across the site to help level the area and further raise it above the floodplain.

Once complete, the new compound will feature two large sheds connected by a breezeway, creating more than 2,000 square metres of roof cover. The new buildings will be approximately four times the size of the Club’s existing maintenance facility, which has been located in the same area near the Pro Shop for more than 70 years.

The new facility will include staff amenities such as a lunchroom, locker room and toilets for both male and female employees and volunteers. It will also feature dedicated chemical and fuel storage areas, sand bins and secure compound fencing.

The facility will support the Club’s 22 ground staff and up to 15 volunteers, who help maintain Yarra Golf’s 45 holes, practice facilities and surrounding grounds. It will also provide much-needed protection for more than $5 million worth of machinery and equipment, much of which is currently exposed to the elements.

Yarra Golf Head Superintendent Chris Burgess said the project was an exciting milestone for the Club.

“This project has been on the cards for over a decade, so it’s really exciting to finally get things moving,” Chris said.

“This project, along with the course improvements and bunker works we have been working on over the past six months, really shows the positive progress the Club is making.”

The project is also a major step forward for health and safety. The current maintenance facility sits in a high-traffic area near the Pro Shop, where heavy machinery regularly moves through spaces used by golfers, members and visitors.

Relocating the maintenance operations away from this area will significantly reduce machinery movement around golfers, while also allowing the Club to repurpose the current shed locations into much-needed car parking.

Yarra Golf CEO Peter Savy said the project would deliver long-lasting benefits across the Club.

“The new build will not only be a great facility for our staff, but I think the spin-off benefits for golfers and members will be enormous,” Peter said.

“Clearing out the current facility will make way for new parking spaces for at least 95 more vehicles, along with improved drop-off areas for golf groups.

“The new compound will also provide a huge facelift around the existing driving range pathway area, with new roadways and a much more modern and organised look for an area that many golfers pass through, particularly when playing the front nine of the Murray Course.”

Structural drawings for the project are currently being finalised, with the build expected to go to tender in July. Subject to construction availability, the Club hopes building works will begin around September, with the full project expected to take approximately 12 months to complete.

While much of this project will sit behind the scenes, its impact will be felt across the entire Club. From safer traffic flow and improved parking, to better facilities for staff and volunteers, the new Maintenance Compound represents a major investment in the future of Yarra Golf.