Question – Arm End Golf Course

Questions asked by the Hon Meg Webb MLC on 23 November 2021 and answered by the Minister for Parks on 8 March 2022.

Regarding the proposed Arm End Golf Course:

Question 1: 
(a) Can the Government confirm the site for the proposed development is on Crown Land, which
was leased to the project’s owner and developer, Mary Ann’s Island Pty Ltd in 2014; and  
(b) if so, provide a copy of that Crown Land lease agreement? 

Answer 1:
(a) The land referred to is part of the Gellibrand Point Nature Recreation Area. The lease area is publicly displayed on theLIST. The current lease commenced in December 2014. The lease was preceded by another lease and licence, issued and approved by the former Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage, Hon Brian Wightman MP.

(b) Crown leases and licences may include personal information, information obtained in confidence or information protected by copyright. The Honourable Member is encouraged to apply for the requested information through the independently administered Right to Information process, which enables an appropriate assessment of these considerations, and includes consultation where appropriate with affected lease and licence holders. 

Question 2: In reference to the Crown Land lease agreement between the State and Mary Ann’s Island Pty Ltd, can the Government detail whether at the time of negotiating and finalising that lease agreement:
(a) a Director of Mary Ann’s Island Pty Ltd was a Mr. James Groom; and
(b) if so, clarify any familial relationship between that Director and the then responsible Minister, the Honourable Matthew Groom? 

Answer 2:
(a) The exact status of Mr James Groom in terms of directorship at all points in time is not held by the Parks and Wildlife Ser/ice (PWS).

(b) It is understood that Mr James Groom and Mr Matthew Groom are brothers. This is evidenced by statements to Parliament and public releases that are matters of public record. For example, Hansard Transcript, 15 October 2015, states: Mr Groom: “In light of the fact that my brother is the chair of that company, which is a matter of public record, I have delegated all responsibilities for that development to the Attorney-General, Dr Vanessa Goodwin, and I have had no involvement in any decsion-making.” 

Question 3: If there was a familial relationship between a Director of Mary Ann’s Island Pty Ltd and the responsible Minister at the time:
(a) did the Minister declare a conflict of interest and recuse himself during the agreement development, decision and finalisation stages of that lease agreement involving access to Crown Land, in accordance with the Ministerial Code of Conduct conflict of interest provisions; and
(b) can the Government provide evidence of any such declaration of a conflict of interest and subsequent recusal from proceedings?

Answer 3: 
(a) Mr James Groom’s involvement in Mary Ann’s Island Pty Ltd led to the then Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage, Hon Matthew Groom MP, declaring a conflict of interest, and removing himself from any decision-making associated with the proposal. All responsibilities were delegated to the then Attorney-General, Dr Vanessa Goodwin MLC, who exercised the relevant powers in relation to this matter.

(b) See Hansard transcript of 15 October 2015.

Question 4: Can the Government provide a current status update of the proposed Arm End golf course project on the leased Crown Land, and any ongoing State Government involvement with the project?

Answer 4: I am advised that the proponent has a current licence for the pipeline route and is addressing the obligations required under the approved Development Applications and Reserve Activity Assessments.

See more of Meg’s Questions to Parliament.