Imagine waking up to the news that your beloved golf club, a place of relaxation and community, is suddenly on the chopping block—despite just signing a new lease. That’s the reality for members of Fairbairn Golf Club in Canberra, who are reeling from the shock announcement that their 65-hectare course is among 68 Defence properties slated for sale. But here’s where it gets controversial: Could this prime piece of land, nestled next to Canberra Airport, be the next big opportunity for development—or is it a logistical nightmare waiting to happen?**
Located on the site of a former Royal Australian Air Force base, Fairbairn Golf Club has been a fixture in the community since the 1960s. Its strategic position adjacent to Canberra Airport has raised eyebrows, with many speculating that the airport could be a potential buyer. But for club president Brian Depree, the news came as a complete surprise. “We were certainly shocked,” he said. “It came out of the blue.” Depree, who was on the course when he received the email from a Defence contact, is now left with more questions than answers. And this is the part most people miss: The course has long been considered a green buffer between a live-fire range and nearby homes—so what changed?**
Depree is set to meet with Defence officials to discuss the next steps, but the uncertainty has already put the club’s 10-year development plans on hold. While the club had expressed interest in purchasing the land, Depree admits they’re unlikely to compete in the commercial market. Adding to the complexity is a clause in their new lease that allows for termination under exceptional circumstances—though Defence is known for its slow-moving processes. “Defence is historically slow,” Depree noted. “I’m not sure this is the most attractive land to sell compared to others they’re offloading.”
Another looming issue? Potential contamination from PFAS, a chemical found in firefighting foam. Defence has detected low levels in the soil near the old firefighting area, but it’s unclear how this will impact future development. “Whether that’s going to stop anyone from developing it, I’m not an expert,” Depree admitted.
With 882 members, many of whom are ex-Defence personnel, the club prides itself on offering the most affordable golf in Canberra. Depree has assured members it’s business as usual—for now. Meanwhile, Canberra Airport’s Group Head of Property, Richard Snow, sees the sale as an obvious opportunity to expand the airport’s holdings, though he remains cautious. “We need to understand how the sale will work, what restrictions apply, and what it all means,” he said. The land’s current zoning prohibits residential use, and Property Council ACT’s Ashlee Berry believes its best use would be for industrial or commercial purposes, given its location in a logistics-heavy area.
Here’s the burning question: Is this sale a golden opportunity for development, or a complex puzzle with no easy solution? And what does it mean for the future of green spaces in urban areas? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss.**
