COUNCIL workers at Keilor golf course have won their struggle to keep maintenance work ‘in house’.
The Weekly reported in September that workers feared for their jobs as Brimbank Council prepared to tender out management and maintenance of the course.
The Australian Services Union (ASU) argued the outsourcing would be the first move towards contracting out other work across Brimbank, threatening the long-term job security of hundreds of employees.
At the last council meeting, administrators decided to contract out only the management of the course.
The council’s general manager of infrastructure and environment, Paul Younis, said maintenance arrangements were unchanged.
“The operation of the golf course has historically been managed by private companies. Belgravia Leisure is keen to take over the course as soon as possible and is working with the council for a full handover within four weeks,” he said.
Mr Younis said Belgravia Leisure would pay the council more than $1.5 million over five years and deliver new programs and improved facilities at the driving range and clubhouse.
ASU organiser Russell McGregor said the council should never have considered tendering out maintenance or used external consultants to review services when community feedback on current services was positive.
“I really do think it’s a great outcome for employees and the people who use the golf club,” he said.
“What is disappointing is that the council went down this path in the first place. It’s put a lot of undue stress on the workers.”
