300 Gold Coast residents in fight to ‘save’ Arundel Hills Country Club site

Residents have vowed to fight a controversial slated development, warning it would set a ‘dangerous precedent’ for golf courses on the Gold Coast.

A group of 300 residents have formed to fight a controversial slated development which they claim will “rip the green heart out” of the former Arundel Hills Country Club site.

The group’s spokesman Jason Young said residents feared the city would lose the 67ha wildlife corridor since the company behind the club collapsed in May.

‘“(City) council has a unique opportunity to enhance and protect a significant green area which is currently privately owned and see it preserved for future generations,” Mr Young said.

“We know that large areas of Gold Coast land are already under threat of new development, putting further pressure on our wildlife and living spaces.

“Here’s a great chance to see one corner of the coast protected for the future.

“If development is allowed to proceed at Arundel Hills, it sets a dangerous precedent for every single golf course on the coast.”

Jason Young, spokesperson for the Arundel Golf Club Community Reference Group, in front of the site with other members. Picture Glenn Hampson

Mr Young said the group were concerned the new owners would overturn the current sport and recreation zoning to allow medium and high density housing

Prospective developers Dale Carroll, Steven Kleytman and Andrew Barbayannis are in the process of buying the land at Arundel Place.

Mr Carroll declined to comment on whether or not a change in the zoning was being explored.

“The people I have spoken to (in the group) seem fair and reasonable,” he said.

“When we lodge the plans, we will meet with them to explain it in detail and then go from there.

“They are pre-empting it before we’ve had an opportunity to showcase the development.”

Kangaroos at the site. Picture: Adam Head

Mr Carroll said plans for the site would be lodged with the council before Christmas.

Area councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden said he had met with group members to discuss their concerns.

“They’re an excellent group of people with a very diverse skill set who are looking to get the best outcome for the community,” he said.

“It’s good to see local residents so passionate, involved and collaborative, and I’m listening closely to the message they are providing.”

Signage outside the former golf club. Picture: Adam Head

In September, the buyers revealed their revival plan for the former club site would involve only a “little bit of residential” development.

At the time, Mr Carroll said the property’s waterways, trees and wildlife habitats would be retained.

He said recreation spaces for public use would also be included in plans.

The once prestigious country club has been closed since the company which once operated it, Zhongsheng Management, collapsed in May with debts of up to $5.73m.

Earlier this month, residents were left fuming after Supercheap Auto privately hired the site as the backdrop for an advertising campaign which featured revving cars and stunt manoeuvres.

Originally published as 300 Gold Coast residents in fight to ‘save’ Arundel Hills Country Club site