Golf panel snub

By Paul Dunlop
CARDINIA Shire Council has refused to accept an umpire’s call on controversial plans to redevelop Pakenham Golf Course.
An independent panel appointed by state Planning Minister Rob Hulls recommended that the proposal be abandoned, but the council has decided to press ahead.
The panel’s report, publicly released yesterday (Tuesday), was critical of the plan to relocate the golf course and transform the site into a mix of 600 houses, waterway and parkland.
But councillors at a meeting on Monday rejected the panel’s findings and will now urge the Minister to do the same.
Mayor Garry Runge said the panel report was ‘seriously flawed’.
He said the findings went against the provisions of the State Government’s Melbourne 2030 plan and could jeopardise the proper planning of development in the area.
The council’s decision has already created controversy with residents accusing it of ignoring community opinion.
Cardinia Ratepayers and Residents Association president Gloria O’Connor said the move was outrageous.
“The council had ample opportunity to get things right, now they’re crying poor and saying we didn’t get a fair go.
“They’re trying to kick a goal after the siren,” Mrs O’Connor said.
Debate over the merits of the development have raged for over 12 months, culminating in a twoweek panel hearing earlier this year.
Despite council’s assertion that the proposal would be a ‘winwin’ for the community, the threemember panel was not convinced.
It found the proposal did not appear to be the product of a ‘rigorous, directed and orderly strategic planning process’ for the future community and recreational needs of the growth corridor.
The report said: “In its present form, (the proposal) represents an ad hoc response to the immediate perceived need to replace Pakenham Golf Course, without sufficient regard to its potential to cause adverse effects in the wider community.”
Cr Runge said the report raised questions that were not raised during the panel hearing so expert witnesses speaking in support of the development were denied the right to respond.
“As a result it draws a series of factually flawed conclusions,” Cr Runge said.
The mayor’s view was echoed by other councillors.
Cr Helen Ward said the panel had got it wrong.
“Council is not obliged to accept this or any other panel decision. There have been occasions when panels have got it wrong,” she said.
Cr Runge said the golf course proposal, in which the council has already appointed developers Peet and Co as its partner, would allow the council to utilise a previously underdeveloped asset.
Cr Runge said: “This development will enable council to create a residential community among a network of wildlife corridors, parks and waterways, while the proceeds will be dedicated to creating useable golf and largescale public recreation areas outside the urban area.”
Despite the council’s move, residents opposing the golf course redevelopment have met the panel’s finding as a victory.
Resident Greg Studd said they were in celebration mode.
“They’re clutching at straws,” he said of the council’s decision.
“The Minister appointed the panel. He’s not going to ignore its recommendation. I am absolutely rapt that residents have been vindicated.”
Cr Bill Ronald was absent from Monday’s meeting but contacted the Gazette yesterday to describe the council’s move as ‘the height of arrogance’.
“If the panel came out in favour of the council and the community said it was flawed you could imagine what the reaction would be,” Cr Ronald said.