Division 4 candidate backs opposition to golf course development proposal

A council candidate says she will oppose controversial plans to develop a golf course north of Brisbane.

Moreton Bay Council Division 4 candidate Jodie Shipway.

THE sole confirmed council candidate for the North Lakes area has already taken a stance on the controversial golf course development proposal.

Mango Hill resident Jodie Shipway, who will contest the 2020 Moreton Bay Regional Council election for Division 4, said she did not agree with the proposal to develop the North Lakes golf course.

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The Village Retirement Group (TVRG) bought the golf course on August 13 and plans to build an aged care facility and retirement facility on part of the land.

The remaining 57ha, or 80 per cent of the site, known as North Lakes Common would be handed over to the public.

TVRG’s application to develop the site was not expected to be submitted until next year.

“I support the current DCP (Mango Hill development control plan) and I don’t feel like we should be selling off land and then changing the DCP when it is going to impact so many people,” Ms Shipway said.

Save North Lakes Golf Course committee member Craig Brown at the closed North Lakes Golf Course on August 16. (AAP/Richard Walker)

“North Lakes was built around the golf course.

“I feel that as a resident of the area, if you purchased in here it was for lifestyle as well.

“If that development comes in, it’s going to have several flow-on effects like extra traffic, crime, and the loss of open space.

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“The material change of use can’t happen. For me it is very black and white.”

Ms Shipway said she was not opposed to growth and development, it just needed to be done in suitable sites that fit in with the current planning instruments.

“I’m just a candidate at the moment and what I can do is show my support by turning up to events and supporting these people (who oppose the golf course development).

“I already have voiced my support to them.”

Regarding the proposal to hand the “North Lakes Common” into public hands, Ms Shipway asked “Who would maintain it?

“If it’s not maintained, is it going to become rundown and a hangout for young people that will make the youth crime situation in the area worse?”

“They’re my concerns. I’m sure they are the concerns of the residents as well.”

Sitting councillor Julie Greer has come under fire for not being able to participate in discussions over the golf course development due to conflicts of interest.

Cr Julie Greer. Picture: David Alexander

The conflicts are in relation to her owning property close to the golf course as well as accepting campaign funds from potential development applicant TVRG in 2016, via Moreton Futures Trust.

“I have been advised by the Integrity Commissioner that because I live very close to the golf course, under the State Government’s legislation this is considered a material personal interest and I’m unable to express any public opinion for or against,” Cr Greer told North Lakes Times in August 2018.

“To contradict the Act could result in jail time.”

Cr Greer did not respond when asked by Pine Rivers Press if she would contest the 2020 election.

Ms Shipway, a sales consultant at Ray White Woody Point, said the council had a responsibility to uphold its planning instruments

“I think what we’re doing at the moment is watching people purchase land and then changing the use of the land (to suit their development),” she said.

“If that’s something the council has to look at down the road for growth then that’s what they need to do, but right now the plan is the plan.”

She added: “My job now is to get out there and meet people and that’s why I nominated early.”