New Access Restrictions

For All Members & Guests of Half Moon Bay Gold Club

On 13^th December 2021 Queensland’s borders with other states re-opened. This brings with it the extremely high likelihood that COVID19 will enter our community soon.

The Queensland Government has announced new rules on how organisations can operate in relation to vaccinated and unvaccinated staff and patrons from 5.00am Friday 17^th December.

As you are aware, golf clubs range from small community operations to large gaming and entertainment hubs so responses will be quite different across the state. Therefore, golf clubs have been left with the unenviable position of imposing our own rules on whether or not we will allow unvaccinated persons to enter the course. Unvaccinated persons may be allowed on a golf course to play golf under the community sports rulings but cannot participate in any other activity under the rules applied to licenced clubs. Our liquor licence applies to the entirety of the course.

The Management Committee debated this issue at the last committee meeting (Wed 24/11/2021). The Committee voted unanimously to support the position that only fully vaccinated persons could access the course.  We respect each individual’s right to choose to remain unvaccinated. Persons with the appropriate medical exemption will be treated as if they are fully vaccinated as are persons under the age of 16.

The reasons for our decision are as follows:

• Policing the rules – under the new rules unvaccinated persons cannot stay in a clubhouse for food, drink, gaming or entertainment. Our Shop, Al Fresco area and Locker Rooms fall within the clubhouse definition. Whilst our clubhouse is not generally used for food, entertainment or gaming it is open access to all – we do not have the staff or facilities to effectively police the requirements.  This would also leave any unvaccinated persons without access to toilets including those between the 12^th & 13^th as that may necessitate regular “deep” cleaning which is not viable.
• Obligation to keep all members, especially those at higher risk, safe – a significant proportion of our membership are in vulnerable age groups. Others are known to be undergoing medical treatments which has lowered their immune response even whilst fully vaccinated. Medical advice to the committee confirmed the cohort of members over 60 years of age remain more vulnerable than the average of the full population even with full vaccination. This is just a function of age and a reality.
• Maintaining operations and financial stability – this decision means the club can continue to operate as we are currently and it minimises the risk of becoming a “hotspot” and risking shut down when COVID19 appears in our community.

The Committee further decided that any members who have chosen to remain unvaccinated or are partially vaccinated may apply after the 17^th December 2021 for the unused portion of their membership to be treated as if the situation is a medical leave of absence until such time as the government announces updated/changed rules or you are able to complete your course of vaccinations. If this affects you please send a confidential email to the manager@halfmoonbaygolf.com.au .

We understand this decision may be an issue for a small number of you. Please remember this is not a decision made by the staff and they should be treated with respect.  The decisions have been made in the best interest of the vast majority of the membership, the financial viability of the club and the best interests of the community.

Yours sincerely

The HMBGC Management Committee

13/12/2021