'Truckloads of rubbish': golf club issues fore over squatter and dumping

Many a golfer has felt like they were camping in the trees during a difficult round at Belmont Golf Course.

But an actual squatter at the beachside course has been playing havoc with the facility.

In recent months, staff at the Belmont Golf and Bowls Club in Marks Point have been forced to install and then replace fencing and clear truckloads of rubbish after a person set up camp with a four-wheel-drive in bushland on the northern side of the course.

Fences and bollards have been removed or knocked over to gain access off Ocean Park Road near the Belmont Cemetery.

Items such as mattresses, shopping trolleys, kids' toys, burnt-out cars, and a jet-ski have also been dumped.

Pictures supplied

Belmont Golf Club general manager Stuart MacAskill said he had contacted police, Lake Macquarie City Council and East Ward Liberal councillor Matt Schultz about the issue.

"He's been doing damage driving through our fence," Mr MacAskill said. "We had a new fence put up because of the amount of rubbish that has been dumped there.

"We had three big truckloads of rubbish taken out of our property, so it's just used as a dump."

Mr MacAskill estimates that the club has spent about $30,000 on fencing near the Fernleigh Track to keep people out of the course.

During the summer school holidays the greens and fairways were damaged by young e-bike riders.

Cr Schultz said he was supportive of working with Mr MacAskill to find a resolution.

"I completely understand the club's frustration," Cr Schultz said.

"I'm actively working with council staff around potential solutions and compliance moving forward."

A spokesperson for Lake Macquarie City Council said, "council rangers are aware of unauthorised occupants on community land at 18 Park Road and are working with the individuals to provide options of relocation."

Belmont Golf Club is among the Hunter's most revered, and hosted the famed Lake Macquarie Amateur for 58 years before the 72-hole strokeplay tournament finished in 2016.

Previous Lake Macquarie amateur champions include Marc Leishman, Geoff Ogilvy, Peter O'Malley and Jack Newton.