Glen Eira City Council has responded to residents illegally practising their golf swing in parks with the implementation of a fully enclosed Birdie Cage. Golf has been an ongoing problem for Councils due to the high-risk factor associated with park users being hit by a ball, which could result in death or serious injury.
In the past, the only solution available was through the enforcement of local laws. This did not deter people as it was hard to police and offenders were rarely caught.
Golf has the highest participation of any organised sport in Australia, yet there are no free public golf practice facilities in parks. The lack of any free public golf practice facilities led Glen Eira City Council to design the cage. It aims to minimise the risk of injury and damage to property, while allowing golf enthusiasts to practice safely.
The Birdie Cage is totally enclosed, with a pad to hit off from and a net to hit into. The innovative design allows golfers of all ages and levels to safely practice their swing without endangering others. The construction of the facility is a combination of the design for cricket nets and golf practice facilities used in private golf clubs. It is a free facility available to all residents each day. The Birdie Cage has been such a success that four more have been installed across the city.
The sound risk management practices were recognised at the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) 2003 Annual Conference, with the Birdie Cage taking out the Civic Mutual Plus (CMP) Award for Excellence.
