Developer examines ideas for ‘more inclusive’ public space at North Lakes Golf Course

THE owner of North Lakes Resort Golf Course is driving ahead with plans to close the course late next year, despite a groundswell of opposition to its proposed sale to a developer.

THE owner of North Lakes Resort Golf Course is driving ahead with plans to close the course in late 2019, despite the groundswell of opposition to the proposed sale to Village Retirement Group (VRG).

About 300 residents attended recent information sessions about the proposal to develop 11ha of the course into a retirement village and aged care facility.

The vast majority of those who attended were opposed to any development on the course, concerned about potential reduction in property prices, traffic, development scale and environmental outcomes.

“Residents are clearly saying this golf course is the heart of the community,’’ said RobertsDay principal planner Craig Christensen, who was part of the project team at the sessions.

“There’s no reason that it still can’t be the case and an alternative use of this big parcel of land could grow to be far more inclusive for the wider North Lakes community.”

Federal LNP Member for Petrie Luke Howarth addresses about 200 people at a peaceful protest at North Lakes Resort golf Club on July 28. Picture: David Alexander

Meanwhile Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said in Parliament this week that he had asked Moreton Bay councillors to reject any Development Application that might be submitted in order to change the use of the land to anything other than a golf course.

“I say to the owner (Adam Simpson) and to VRG don’t bother submitting a DA, we don’t want it in that community, we want it to remain a golf course,” he said.

Regarding the remaining 57ha of the site, to be retained as open space, those who attended the information sessions suggested turning it into wildlife corridors, walking and cycling tracks, community gardens and an environmental education centre.

Public space at golf course site may contain walking trails says developer.

Other suggestions included a water park, a bushland chapel or a 9-hole golf course.

“The idea of a North Lakes common seems to be taking shape,’’ Mr Christensen said.

“It could incorporate parklands with walking and cycling trails and spots for picnics.

“Another idea would be starting up urban farms which could grow local produce sold at a community market near Lake Eden, which could become a regular event, with produce, food vendors and entertainment.”

The golf course, which is a privately run business on privately owned land, has been operating at a loss in recent years and will close at the end of next year, a club spokesman said.

Despite this, feedback from the sessions overwhelmingly called for the retention of the course.

VRG managing director Justin Harrison said the development was a chance to build something for all North Lakes residents to enjoy.

“We understand that neighbours are concerned about the price of their properties and that the course has contributed to the amenity of the area but the reality is that the golf club hasn’t been well-supported,’’ he said.

“That’s why we are asking residents what they would like in their back yard to ensure it truly becomes the heart of the community.”

Mr Christensen said that of the residents who were in favour of the change, feedback demonstrated a desire to see expanded natural bushland to ensure a growing home for local fauna and flora.

“That would enhance the two creek corridors and provide improved water quality for Lake Eden and Hays inlet,” he said.

“There would be the opportunity for environmental education and fitness trails linking the other paths and cycle trails throughout North Lakes.’’

He said current memberships at the club are being honoured and facilities will be maintained until the closure of the course.