The Halloran Trust is considering an appeal, after the state’s Independent Planning Commission (IPC) rejected plans for a new championship golf course at Culburra Beach.
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The Halloran Trust first lodged its development application for the 18-hole course on 36 hectares of land at Long Bow Point in 2011, however it was rejected on September 26 due to potential impacts on nearby Lake Wollumboola.
The Department of Planning and Environment took over assessment of the proposal from Council, and in July this year referred it to the Independent Planning Commission for final decision due to the level of community opposition.
The IPC hosted a public meeting in July, to listen to the community’s views on the development. Residents who spoke in favour of the project cited economic and social benefits, including job creation, while those against the development raised concerns about potential impacts on Lake Wollumboola, biodiversity impacts associated with the clearing of native vegetation, and impacts on bird species that use the lake as a breeding and nesting ground.
In its Statement of Reasons for Decision, the IPC found the site was unsuitable for the project because of the sensitivity of Lake Wollumboola and its catchment, and the potential for adverse impacts on the highly sensitive ecosystem. The IPC also stated there was a lack of critical groundwater data to enable an appropriate assessment of the potential impacts of the project.
While the project was attractive to residents due to a an increase in tourism and jobs, the IPC found there was no clear certainty about the social and economic benefits of the project.
Matt Philpot of Allen Price and Scarratts on behalf of the Halloran Trust, said the decision was very disappointing.
“The Halloran Trust does not agree with the findings of the findings of the IPC,” he said.
“Our water quality expert’s reports and studies did not match up with those of the IPC, they were of a very different view.”
Mr Philpot said the Halloran Trust was “considering it’s options” and may appeal the decision.
“There’s been more than $1.5 million thrown into this development application,” he said.
“The Trust is considering their options with the site, that may include selling, an appeal, or banking the land.
“What’s really disappointing is that the the community was relying on this golf course for tourism and job growth in Culburra Beach.”
Lake Wollumboola Protection Association president Frances Bray said she was “overjoyed” with the decision.
“The decision has very much confirmed our views on the sensitivity of Lake Wollumboola,” she said.
“Not enough is known about how a golf course would impact the catchment and we are very pleased the decision reflects that.”
Ms Bray said the association was not opposed to the development of a golf course, but against the Longbow Point location.
“Long Bow Point and Lake Wollumboola need to be protected, and that’s all this is about,” she said.
Madeline Crittenden
Madeline Crittenden is a journalist for Fairfax Media at the South Coast Register.
Madeline Crittenden is a journalist for Fairfax Media at the South Coast Register.
