The Pelican Waters Golf Club will build 200 detached homes on block sizes ranging from 450sqm to 700sqm and 70 units and townhouses by rearranging its 18-hole golf course, according to the Courier Mail.

The Club first proposed the plan in 2012 as a way to boost its flagging finances. A development report submitted in 2016 shows the Club has not failed to make a profit since 2000.

It stated that the club did not expect to break even for at least another two to four years and might not get the required amount of members to do so for up to eight years.

Pelican Waters is not the first club to turn to retirement villages to keep their doors open. The Merewether Golf Club in Newcastle, Lakelands Country Club in WA and the Burleigh Golf Club on the Gold Coast have all partnered recently with village developers to get new developments off the ground.

It’s a great idea – clubs get to stay afloat by leasing their land to the operator, and village residents get the bonus of being able to use the clubhouse and community facilities at the course. A win-win situation for everyone.