Back on course

Midge Fijac from the Oxley Golf Complex which on Monday celebrated the completion of its repairs one year after the flood disaster

Inga Williams

A YEAR ago the golf range at Oxley Golf Complex was nothing more than one huge water hazard.

After the January floods the venue had become so inundated the only way of crossing the fairway was by boat.

But after a difficult year, marketing manager Midge Fijac said the premier golfing facility had finally been restored to its original condition.

The venue celebrated the completion of its repairs last Monday by officially opening its new on-site cafe facilities.

Ms Fijac said it was something the complex had been working towards since the disaster took place.

"When the floods hit we were amazed at the destruction," she said.

"We never expected the waters would rise so high."

Because the Oxley Creek sewage treatment plant is less than two kilometres away, Ms Fijac said additional cleaning measures were needed to resurrect the facility.

"We had to purchase biohazard suits, tested the soil and chlorinated and bleached everywhere," she said.

"We washed everything, all the balls, the frames, the sails - anything the public might touch."

After just three weeks of hard work, the golf range area was re-opened to the public.

"We are the only practice facility in the area for suburban golfers," Ms Fijac said. "So our main aim was to get back up and running as soon as possible."

For months, staff operated the business out of open mobile homes and used portable toilets while repairs continued.

With support from the community, Ms Fijac said the Oxley Golf Complex was now better than ever.

"It's been a long road but we are very happy with the end result," she said.