THE Vines residents and other golf members have raised concerns after construction began on a new 14-hole short course at The Vines golf resort.

The Vines Residents and Ratepayers Association vice chairman Dixon Lowe said work began on February 18 on the short course across holes one to eight of the former Lakes course.

Mr Lowe said a recent survey of golfers showed strong opposition to the project.

“The recent golf survey result showed 92 per cent of the 216 responders opposed the 14-hole course construction on Lakes one to eight,” he said.

Members also raised concerns about the loss of access to part of the course.

“Golfers using Lakes one to nine no longer have access to that portion and are uncertain what alternatives will be offered,” Mr Lowe said.

The association said legal advice had been obtained suggesting the decision may breach the resort golf club’s constitution and management agreement.

Mr Lowe said the opinion related to the owners’ unilateral decision to construct the course and the absence of consultation with members.

He said some members had asked the residents association to raise the issue publicly because they feared being suspended from the club if they spoke out.

“This is the view of golf members who have requested a response via the Vines Residents and Ratepayers Association to avoid suspension from the resort golf club for speaking out,” he said.

Mr Lowe said residents were also concerned about vegetation clearing during construction.

Complaints about clearing were submitted to the City of Swan and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

“The Vines, as an international standard golfing facility, now appears to have been completely overturned by the international owners, with significant social impacts and irreversible loss to Perth’s historic Swan Valley,” he said.

City of Swan chief executive officer Stephen Cain said the city could confirm it had received complaints and understood construction of the short course had commenced.

“The city understands that The Vines WA Pty Ltd have commenced the implementation of their short course and that this remains opposed by many residents of The Vines,” he said.

He said the city had also investigated vegetation clearing on part of the course.

“Last week the city responded to complaints of vegetation clearing on one of the fairways, not associated with the short course,” Mr Cain said.

“This investigation is still underway.”

The Vines Resort Club chairman Ray Jordan said construction of the short course was expected to be completed later this year or early next year and that the project formed part of the broader redevelopment of the resort  by the owner Vines WA Pty Ltd.

“The short course forms part of the broader redevelopment of The Vines,” he said.

“The 18-hole championship course will continue to operate as usual for all members.”