Continued golf course debate causes fiery scenes
Mon 21 May 2007
John Hammond, Journalism
The contentious Birtinya golf course proposal generated a slanging match between councillors opposed to it and supporters of the development at Caloundra City Council’s April 12 general meeting.
The motion to proceed to written confirmation of the land donation and government gazettal for open space was passed five votes to three.
At stake was a 30 hectare land parcel which Stockland Buddina Pty Ltd had verbally offered to council for open space and recreational activities. This freehold land portion was over and above any agreed requirements Stockland had to fulfill building density levels in its estate developments.
Division four Councillor Andrew Champion had been a driving force behind plans for council to have the land gazetted specifically for a golf course.
He questioned the motives of colleagues who disregarded community wishes in what he said was a biased attempt to derail the process with claims of mosquito infestation, flooding and financial disaster for council.
“This issue has been going on since 1993 because of the negativity of some. It is no different to a pool, football field or any community asset. It is intended to provide a recreational facility to a wide range of participants,” he said.
But Cr Gordon Wallace, in whose division the proposed land holding was situated, strongly opposed a golf course being built. “The advice we get is this proposal is not feasible. There is a health risk from mosquitoes,” he said.
“The triple bottom line to any casual observer without an agenda…it has a minus $182,000 income per year, the cost to establish will be $1.3 million. Interest alone over 10 years will be over $1 million. There has been no community demand or consultation.”
Council Works Department expert Mr Vern Butterworth’s report on mosquito trapping found the site was a major breeding ground with annual spraying costs estimated at $150,000 to attain a 50 per cent reduction in numbers.
Division eight Cr Betty Cristaudo was fervent in denouncing the proposal and wanted to know who was behind its bid.
“Is there a demonstrated need? This is the seventh version…we would be out of our brains to pass this idiotic proposal. It is a blatant disregard of the trust people have in us to spend their money,” she said.
Cr Don Smith suggested revegetation of the area in light of flooding and biting insect concerns.
In reply Cr Champion reminded his colleagues this offer was first floated in 1993. He disputed the mosquito problems in daylight hours and frequency of inundation, being very familiar with the area from numerous camping and trekking forays over the years.
“My experience of this site is it is not inundated on a one-in-two year period and there is a huge demand for 18-hole golf courses,” he said.
Council chief executive officer Garry Storch affirmed Stockland had placed no conditions on the land to be a golf course development. “This is in addition to Stockland’s commitments to Kawana,’ he said.
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