Magazine - Maleny Golf Course Far From Done Deal

By Editor in Golf on 16th Apr 2008 6:05

An 18-hole golf course planned for Maleny is far from a done deal.

Mayor Bob Abbot indicated yesterday that his new council was preparing to revisit the controversial course planned for council-owned land known as the Maleny Community Precinct. The push to build the course has divided Maleny’s residents for almost a decade, with many in the town unhappy to see such significant land situated close to the hinterland town’s centre devoted to a golf club.

Despite almost three-quarters of the 2000 submissions made to the former Caloundra City Council opposing a golf course, and against their own staff’s recommendations, a slim majority of councillors voted to allow the 18-hole course last November. Mayoral aspirant Joe Natoli signalled he would consider overturning the decision if elected. Now the man who beat him to the big job at last month’s council election, Bob Abbot, has said he is prepared to do the same.

Bob Said “I don’t think an 18-hole golf course covering that whole precinct is appropriate – I never have and never will, I think we just need to pull it all together, get the structure and then work out a process if indeed we are going to change it"

Mr Abbot said the Maleny community would have another chance to contribute its views as to how the land should be used. “We are starting discussions with members of the community organisations in Maleny this week,’’ he said. “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.”

However, it is unlikely the land use issue will make the agenda for the council’s first meeting in Caloundra next Wednesday. Yesterday the council lodged an application 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.

Source: www.thedaily.com.au

Read more articles in Golf, by Editor or from April 2008.