Dear Members,

One of the key objectives within the Board’s Strategic Plan that holds great importance for the future of Manly Golf Club is to improve or achieve water self-sufficiency.

Our current water supply is obtained from of a mix of bore water (60-70% from 3 bore pumps) , stormwater runoff into our Dam and use of town water (combined 20-30%). There is typically an annual contribution from natural rainfall meeting around 5-10% of requirements. The contribution from each factor is dependent on weather cycles with a growing reliance on town water when stormwater and rainfall are reduced. 

The objective entails taking steps towards securing our own water source.  In 2022 three additional test bores were completed (RHS 15th, RHS 3rd and LHS 3rd). One of the test bores (RHS 15th) produced high quality water with a low flow rate that would meet about 1/8th of our needs, the other two test bores produced water with salinity unsuitable for golf course irrigation without cost prohibitive treatment. 

Members may have noticed cabling and probes running East/West along the practice putting green, 11th hole and 17th tee area (see gallery image).  These probes are in place as we are currently exploring sites for additional test bores to locate suitable water that may be drawn from the Hawkesbury Aquifer.  The probes are generating a sub-surface profile to help gauge the best location for placing the test bores. Following the testing phase, the Club will be undertaking two additional test bores within the 23/24 financial year (circa $100k).

The Board view the ongoing exploration of  Water self-sufficiency as a necessity for our club’s sustainability and long-term success. It is considered critical for several reasons:

Environmental responsibility:  With growing concerns about water scarcity and the environment, securing our own water source will reduce our reliance on external water supplies. This aligns with our value to be sustainable custodians for the Club.

Cost Efficiency: Developing our own water source will result in cost savings over the long term. We will no longer or reduce the need to purchase water or incur the associated expenses, assisting in financial stability for the Club. The Club is conscious that in periods of low water availability the cost to purchase will also escalate . The annual water costs are generally $80-100k per annum, and rising.

Increased Drought Resilience: In Australia, droughts are a recurring challenge (Ed. as are floods!!). Having our own water source will help us maintain the quality of our course, even during dry periods, and reduce the risk of restrictions on water usage.

Course Presentation: The Board recognise our golf course is our primary asset and that measures must continually be undertaken to ensure members are provided high quality playing surfaces and course presentation. A reliable quality source of water is paramount to meeting this objective.

The current action underway to achieve water self-sufficiency is the exploration of additional test bores in the Hawkesbury Aquifer.  We are cognisant of the possibility bores run dry or can turn from producing a useable water to a quality that is unsuitable for golf course use.  So, whilst the test bores will be progressed and use of bore water continue, we will continue to explore additional measures that may be called upon, this may include exploring additional stormwater harvesting, treated water use, desalination practices and shared bore use from surrounding properties. Failing that – a synthetic golf course !!!

We will continue to keep you informed about the progress from the test bores once they are completed. 

 

Sincerely,

Daniel Constable
GENERAL MANAGER

For and on behalf of the Board