Toowoomba Disc Golf Club proposes move to Alex Horn Park in Harlaxton, dog users concerned

Residents and users of a massive Toowoomba park have voiced opposition over the possible relocation of a sports club, but the group’s president said the concerns would be addressed. Here’s what the sport has planned.

A sports club has addressed issues raised by Toowoomba residents over a proposal to move its course to a popular dog park.

The Toowoomba Disc Golf Club has flagged its preference to relocate from Black Gully Reserve to the massive Dr Alex Horn Park in Harlaxton.

Disc golf, which is played by hundreds of people across the region, functions like golf except it involves throwing a disc or frisbee into a permanent basket.

Keron Redman, with his dogs Archer and Stirling, is a member of the Toowoomba Disc Golf Club. The club wants to locate to Horn Park. Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Toowoomba Regional Council has facilitated the public notification campaign, after it was determined the club had to move due to the sport’s impacts on soft bark trees in Black Gully.

The survey has already attracted plenty of attention from residents concerned about how the sport could impact the current users.

Local and regular park user Helen Holmes said she and others were opposed to the concept, saying it wouldn’t work at an off-leash dog park.

She cited safety concerns as well as a lack of parking and permanent toilets.

“The current users of the park are in absolute shock – disc golf doesn’t mix with off-leash dogs,” Ms Holmes said.

“The dogs will get in the way of the disc golfers, the disc golfers will get in the way of other users.

“I live near the park and people come from miles around because they love the park.

“There is also no parking around there, there are no toilets – just about everybody has been appalled.”

In response, Toowoomba Disc Golf Club president Joel Rub said the current nine-hole course already operated in an off-leash dog area and the arrangement had not led to disruptions.

The Toowoomba Disc Golf Club wants to locate to Horn Park. Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Picture: Nev Madsen.

“Our interactions with dogs have been nothing but positive,” he said.

“Like all the park users at Black Gully, if they’re walking by, we don’t throw – it’s a public park, so we have to abide by public rules.

“Whenever the course is designed, it’s to minimise impacts on other users.

“Dogs love to run around, so if a dog is on a fairway, you don’t throw – it’s in the etiquette rules.”

Mr Rub also stressed that no decision had been made about the club’s new destination, arguing the addition of disc golf would diversify the uses at Horn Park.

“It is literally just trying to gauge what the community is happy with about another embellishment in a park,” he said.

“You’re putting another embellishment in there, it’s not something that would detract from the park at all.”

Councillor Tim McMahon said Alex Horn Park was one of a number of locations being considered by the council for the club.

“The club’s current location of Black Gully Reserve has become unsuitable,” he said in a statement.

“A survey has been developed to engage a variety of stakeholders on a potential move of the Disc Golf Club to Alex Horn Park, which is one of a number of locations being explored.

“The survey remains open with relevant feedback now being gathered.”