Controversial community precinct divides Maleny
Fri 14 November 2008
Kane Frampton, Journalism
Heated debate between community groups continues to exist regarding the best plans for a 124ha plot of land in the hinterland town of Maleny.
The future of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council-owned plot of land is yet to be determined, with a community golf course, sport and recreation facilities, and areas for environmental rehabilitation being considered for inclusion.
Commonly referred to as the Maleny Community Precinct, the proposal has experienced a controversial past since being opened to public consultation in 2003.
After studies were conducted to determine the suitability of the land, Caloundra City Council opened the issue up to community consultation and invited submissions suggesting how the land should be used.
As with the building of the infamous Woolworths store, the topic sparked heated debate and division in the town.
In August, 2007 a collection box containing feedback forms regarding the Maleny Community Precinct was stolen from Maleny Library.
Once submissions were analysed, only two were considered to be realistic to the former Caloundra City Council.
The first proposal included a community golf course with further sporting facilities and environmental areas, and the second included a plan for community gardens with an environmental focus known as the Obi Obi Parklands.
The golf course proposal also included a clubhouse, aquatic centre and other sport and recreation facilities. More than half of the area of the precinct would be dedicated to garden areas and reforestation.
The proposal was viewed as the Caloundra City Council’s preferred option, despite opposition from numerous stakeholders.
A Sunshine Coast Daily article claimed that of the more than 2000 submissions received regarding the Precinct approximately 73 per cent were opposed to a golf course being built.
Maleny Golf Club president Max Whitten acknowledged that golf courses can be heavy on resources but said that need not be the case in the Maleny situation.
“Given the climate here and the abundant rainfall, deep soils, minimal pests and diseases, and…a good effluent source from the Maleny Treatment Works, constructing and managing an environmentally friendly golf course is eminently feasible,” Dr Whitten said.
It had been suggested that a golf course development would result in a long-term population increase in Maleny, causing the township to lose some of its rural character.
Dr Whitten refuted this claim, stating that a community golf course would have no more impact on population growth than other factors.
The Obi Obi Parklands plan shares some similarities with the above proposal, notably that both proposals dedicate a small portion of the land for residential development as a means of covering the costs of developing the precinct to suit their vision.
The Obi Obi Parklands proposal focuses upon protection of endangered plant life and generating carbon credits for Maleny.
Rainforest features, walking trails and wetlands are included, with the proposal being compared to the Roma Street Parklands in Brisbane.
Friends for Obi Obi Parklands member Steve Swayne, who was involved in the development of the Parklands proposal, stated that one of the main goals of the Parklands is to maintain the ambience that Maleny currently experiences.
“Too much development would be of detriment to the character of the town,” Mr Swayne said.
“We wish to provide natural purposes close to town.”
Mr Swayne stated that the Obi Obi Parklands would be a long-term endeavour, as it may take 20 to 30 years to experience the full benefits of the plan’s reforestation and environmental rehabilitation goals.
The above proposals were submitted to the former Caloundra City Council and, on November 22, 2007, council released an Approved Concept Plan for the site.
Included in the plan was allocation for a golf course, sport and recreation facilities, as well as environmental areas. Both proposals were considered in designing the plan.
Despite past hostilities, the warring parties have vowed to work together to have as many of their needs as possible met.
However, even with successful cooperation it is unlikely that Maleny residents will see action in the near future.
“The Sunshine Coast Regional Council will firm up the Master Plan for the site by June 2009,” Dr Whitten said.
At this point in time the exact makeup of the Maleny Community Precinct has not been finalised and is subject to change.
Image(s) designed by Kane Frampton