Arm End golf course project: Proposal under investigation over Aboriginal heritage
A controversial proposal for a golf course at Arm End is under investigation over potential unauthorised works impacting on Aboriginal heritage. Read the latest.
Tasmania
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A controversial proposal for a golf course at Arm End is under investigation over potential unauthorised works impacting on Aboriginal heritage.
The development of the 116ha parcel of Crown land at Arm End was first proposed in 2009 and the golf course first approved by Clarence City Council in 2013.
Longstanding council permits for the development require “substantial commencement” of the project by October 1.
The golf course is to be serviced by a pipeline under the Derwent delivering treated sewage for irrigation from Kingston and the former Morrison Liberal government granted $5m in National Water Grid Connections funding for the pipeline last year.
A sign at the site says that there are 30 Aboriginal heritage sites and that works impacting some sites have been granted ministerial authorisation.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment confirmed an investigation into works on the site is underway.
“The Parks and Wildlife Service in the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania and Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania in the Department of Premier and Cabinet are conducting an investigation into potential unauthorised works in relation to the project,” a spokeswoman said.
“Certain activities at the site have ceased while the investigation proceeds.
“As this matter is under investigation the department will not be providing any further
comments on this matter.”
A spokesman for proponent Mary Ann’s Island Pty Ltd said progress was continuing.
“We are working closely with relevant Government authorities and the Clarence City Council to progress the project, which will be a fantastic boost for the local community,” he said.
“We are excited about what the project will bring to the local region, including irrigation water and the rehabilitation of the Gellibrand Point Recreation Area.”
Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre CEO Heather Sculthorpe said the community was concerned about the development.
“It’s all a bit of a worry, we’ve been opposed to that development for years,” she said.
“All of a sudden we have heard there’s a sign up saying the community supports it.”
She said it was not the case and the TAC has not heard from Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania about the investigation.
“There’s such a lack of transparency, how could the government be giving them money? There’s so little information about it.”
Tasmanian Conservation Trust CEO Peter McGlone said he had been to the site and had noted the construction of several hundred metres of gravel road, as well as a large amount of pipe stored nearby.
“I’ve seen some of the works that have happened and I would be fearful if there has been damage to aboriginal heritage,” he said.
“That’s the biggest worry — and the local residents are up in arms about tonnes and tonnes of plastic pipes that are onsite.”
Greens environment spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff said the area contained “inestimable Aboriginal heritage values”.
“It is a treasure that should be protected, not handed to developers for a pittance,” she said.
“This misguided golf course privatisation proposal is a land grab of this dramatic and much-loved place.
“If the developer is found to have damaged public land illegally, they should be fined.”
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