Magazine - Concerns over Drought-Stricken Federal Golf Club

By Editor in Golf on 8th Feb 2010 8:00

Neighbouring residents expressed sympathy last night for the plight of the drought-stricken Federal Golf Club, but were also wary its proposal to sell land for housing would destroy the amenity of the area below Red Hill lookout.

Hughes resident Peter Naumann, who campaigned against the proposal when it was first raised in another incarnation more than a decade ago, vehemently disagreed with the club that there was more support for the proposal this time around.   ''If there isn't as much opposition, it's because people are worn out saying the same things over and over again,'' he said. ''I think it's just terrible planning. Canberra was designed to have continuous open space. There is a reason that Red Hill nature reserve lies next to the Federal Golf Club to provide that continuous open space and this is an intrusion into that.''

The club is seeking a variation to the Territory Plan to allow 4.2ha of the 85.9ha golf course site to be rezoned from sport and recreation to residential, with the proceeds from subsequent housing put into drought-proofing the course, with more irrigation ponds and other measures.

A handful of people attended an information evening at the club last night.

Rose McNeice, of Deakin, and her son, Kian McNeice, of Hughes, wanted to ensure a stand of ''iconic'' pine trees running along Gowrie Drive was preserved in the development, saying non-native trees were also valued.

Source & More: www.canberratimes.com.au

Read more articles in Golf, by Editor or from February 2010.