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Are we getting a golf course or not? |
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Written by Les Fawkes
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Tuesday, 15 April 2008 |
The new Mayor of the Sunshine
Coast Regional Council, Bob Abbot said yesterday, “I don’t think an
18-hole golf course covering that whole precinct is appropriate – I
never have and never will and it is far from a done deal.”
This was in response to indications that the new Sunshine Coast Regional Council was preparing to revisit the controversial course planned for council-owned land known as the Maleny Community Precinct after the project was approved by the outgoing Caloundra City Council.
The push to build the course on property formerly owned by Steve Porter’s at North Maleny has divided Maleny’s residents for a number of years. Many see it as another divide between Maleny residents similar to the “Woolworths battle”.
Secretary / Treasurer of the Maleny Golf Club, Rod Thamm said, "The proposal has never been to cover the whole precinct area and the decision by the previous Caloundra City Council was to allocate a certain area to the golf club and we have proposed a 12 hole golf course to fit into that land allocation."
Inquiries reveal that the land area proposed for all sports, including the golf course would amount to less than 50% of the precinct land.
A vocal section of people in the town are unhappy to see such significant land situated close to the hinterland town’s centre devoted to a golf course. “I think there is a real opportunity for a shared process there – a real opportunity for the whole town of Maleny to benefit from that.” said Mr Abbott.
Mr Abbot said the Maleny community would have another chance to contribute its views as to how the land should be used and so discussions with members of community organisations in Maleny will commence soon.
Mr Abbott continued, “My perspective is that I don’t think using all that land for an 18-hole golf course is appropriate, so we will certainly be doing what we can to resolve that.”
An application will be made by the new council to excise two lots along North Maleny Road which would be retained by the land’s original owner, Steve Porter, as part of the terms of his original deal with the Caloundra City Council.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 19 April 2008 )
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Range News 2005 - ON 
