Arm End golf course backers say they are powering ahead as key council date passes
The proponent of a longstanding plan to build an 18-hole golf course at Arm End says it is confident it can persuade council that work has begun on the project and development permits should stand. Find out why they believe they should be allowed to power on.
Tasmania
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THE proponent of a longstanding plan to build an 18-hole golf course at Arm End says it is confident it can persuade council that work has begun on the project and development permits should stand.
The council approval for the development of the 166ha parcel of Crown land at Arm End requires “substantial commencement” of the project by October 1.
Project backers Mary Ann’s Island Pty Ltd said the company was confident it would be able to demonstrate the development was well under way.
“We believe we have substantially commenced the development through a complex and comprehensive weed management and revegetation program to rehabilitate the land,” a spokesman said.
“This work includes close to $600,000 invested in removing the noxious African boxthorn infestation from Arm End, as well as over $100,000 invested in the revegetation of locally threatened and endangered plant species.
“We look forward to continuing to rehabilitate this land so that it can be enjoyed for a wide range of recreational uses including golf, walking and beachgoing for generations to come.
“We’re also excited about the broader positive impact the project will have on the local area, including delivering irrigation water for community and agricultural use.”
A Clarence City Council spokeswoman said assessment of compliance with the permit conditions was under way.
“Following the 1 October deadline for substantial commencement at the Arm End site, council is waiting on further information from the developer in relation to whether substantial commencement has been reached,” she said.
The Mercury revealed last month that the developer is under investigation over potential unauthorised works impacting on Aboriginal heritage.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania on Friday said there was no update on the investigation’s outcome.
The golf course is to be irrigated from a pipeline under the Derwent delivering treated sewage for irrigation from Kingston.
The former Morrison Liberal government granted $5m in National Water Grid Connections funding for the pipeline last year.
Tasmanian Conservation Trust CEO Peter McGlone said he was unconvinced the project has met the conditions of substantial commencement.
“It is now six and a half years since the proponent was granted its planning permit. They have not done any work on this unpopular and inappropriate golf course”, Mr McGlone said.
“A lot of boxthorn has been removed, but this is also not part of the actual golf course development.”
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