Kingston Links Golf Course redevelopment plans progressing

THE developer of a Rowville golf course says it has addressed flooding concerns as plans progress to build up to 800 homes on the site, which is a 100-year flood plain.

Plans are progressing to turn the Kingston Links Golf Course in Rowville into housing.

THE developer of a Rowville golf course says it has addressed flooding concerns as plans progress to build up to 800 homes on the site, which is on a 100-year flood plain.

The Pask Group wants to turn the 65ha Kingston Links site in Corporate Ave into an estate with up to 800 houses, as well as parks and walking trails.

Flood-prone Kingston Links golf course could be developed into 800-home estate

Knox Councillors agreed at a recent meeting to ask Planning Minister Richard Wynne for permission to prepare and exhibit a planning scheme amendment that would rezone the site from special use to general residential.

They also agreed to delete part of the site’s “subject to inundation” overlay from areas that would be raised out of the floodplain.

The redevelopment would include new wetlands and flood mitigation works, multipurpose community facilities, and rehabilitation of ecological corridors along the Corhanwarrabul Creek.

Pask Group marketing manager Marcus Hancock said after community consultation they had continued to work with the council and Melbourne Water to ensure the development would “more than satisfy” requirements and address any flooding concerns.

According to the Knox Council report, the proposed boundaries of the residential development have been set through extensive flood modelling and a site design process has been done by the Pask Group in co-ordination with Melbourne Water and the council’s stormwater team.

Almost 44ha of the site will be made available for development through the filling of land, while the remaining 21.61ha will remain as floodplain.

Mayor Darren Pearce told Leader the developer would make “a very good windfall” and in return the council expected social and environmental outcomes to benefit the community.

According to the council report, this includes the Pask Group providing land for 20 dwellings to be used as social housing, public open space, sports fields and a pavilion, and a pedestrian footbridge.

Knox mayor Darren Pearce says the council expects the development to have social and environmental benefits for the community. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

Council chief executive Tony Doyle said it was an extraordinarily good outcome for the community.

Mr Doyle said the council also agreed to sell a piece of land on Wellington Rd to the Pask Group to use as part of the development.

Cr Pearce said once Mr Wynne approved the exhibition of the amendment it would go out for public comment before coming back to the council for a decision.

Cr Pearce said Mr Wynne would then have the final say.

According to the Pask Group website, site work is expected to start next year, subject to planning and the development schedule.

Melbourne Water has been contacted for comment.