Residents push to keep golf course

By Paul Dunlop
RESIDENTS pushing to stop the proposed redevelopment of Pakenham golf course have outlined to Cardinia Shire Council their own vision for the area.
Cardinia Residents and Ratepayers Association (CRRA) officials presented a concept plan to retain the golf course and turn land beside it into a community park to Cardinia Shire Council last Monday.
The CRRA has lobbied against council’s plans to relocate the golf course to McGregor Road and turn the 91 hectare site in Oaktree Drive into a 600lot housing and parkland development ever since the proposal was announced in mid2004.
Ratepayers association president Gloria O’Connor and members Diane Henderson and Greg Studd made the presentation to councillors and senior shire officials.
Mrs O’Connor said the response was “somewhat lukewarm, but respectful”.
“We have asked council to give full and serious consideration to our proposal,” she said.
“We have canvassed community opinion, spoken with longterm residents about historic aspects and spoken with people who use the golf course,” Mrs O’Connor said.
Mayor Kate Lempriere said the council had taken the time to listen to the CRRA’s presentation.
Cr Lempriere said further information requested by the State Government about the council’s plans was being compiled and would soon be forwarded to Planning Minister Justin Madden.
The CRRA’s concept plans include developing the 31hectare parcel of land adjoining the golf course into public open space and parkland and establishing a multipurpose building including a visitor information centre, with space to showcase local art, craft and produce.
Mrs O’Connor said the land was given to the council for public use in 1977 and should provide future parkland for the ratepayers and residents of Cardinia Shire.
She said the CRRA remained strongly against plans to allow for a 600lot subdivision development in partnership with Peet Ltd.
The $22 million redevelopment plan will also involve the building of a new golf course in McGregor Road.
Pakenham Golf Club has strongly supported the proposal with the majority of its 600odd members voting in favour of the relocation.