Re Imagine the End puts forward alternative vision for Arm End site, but developers say everything is on track for 2022 opening

A community group has unveiled a new vision for a public reserve that is being developed into a multimillion-dollar recreation area and golf course. SEE THEIR DESIGNS >>

QuailTrail looking towards the Derwent River and Taroona Cliffs at the Arm End Reserve, Opossum Bay. Picture: SUPPLIED

• Work tees off at Arm End reserve and golf course project
• Plan to pump recycled water from Blackmans Bay to South Arm

A COMMUNITY group has released its alternative vision for a South-East Tasmanian site that is currently being developed into a recreation reserve and golf course.

A small group of Tasmanian investors are backing the multimillion-dollar Arm End project at Opossum Bay.

The development of the 116ha crown land site was first proposed in 2009 and the first iteration was approved by the Clarence City Council in 2012.

On Sunday, a group opposing the development, Re Imagine the End, put forward an alternative vision ,including artist’s impressions for the site, which would include low-scale infrastructure and rehabilitation of the land.

Re Imagine the End co-ordinator Robyn McNicol. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

RITE co-ordinator Robyn McNicol said the group had worked with a range of heritage and conservation experts over the past two years to build the vision.

“This proposal allows for a diversity of activities, acknowledges the Indigenous culture and provides low level development such as interpretative panels and wayfinding signage, picnicking facilities, a children’s play area,” she said.

“The vision is by no means finalised – we know it’s not perfect, it’s going to continue and grow.”

An artist’s impressions of a new entry to the site acknowledging traditional owners. Picture: SUPPLIED

Ms McNicol said if there was ever an opportunity to go forward with the plan, people had pledged funds and there were conservation grants that could be applied for to help cover costs.

But Arm End project manager Craig Ferguson said the development was on track to be completed and open in 2022.

“We aim to start on the water pipeline to irrigate the whole of South Arm, including Arm End, in November – the approvals required to provide water have taken around three years,” he said.

“We are continuing the extensive environmental rehabilitation and revegetation program and have mowed out the golf course. We have managed to control the two most invasive weed species across the site – African boxthorn and serrated tussock.”

A picnic shelter at Shelley Beach. Picture: SUPPLIED

Mr Ferguson said a reserve activity assessment was also being done to establish a bird sanctuary.

“We are committed to getting it right – for the sake of the project, the environment and the community,” he said.

“We have offered to support and help the RITE group as we see many of their values align with the Arm End project development. They have rejected any offers to work together.”