"Disappointment" at 11th-hour move

Deputy Mayor Jodie Shipway has spoken of the community’s “disappointment” after plans for the former North Lakes golf course were dropped just hours before they were to go before councillors for debate and a vote.

The development application (DA) for a retirement village and aged care facility was withdrawn yesterday afternoon less than 24 hours before Moreton Bay City councillors were to deliver their verdict.

In the agenda, released ahead of today’s General Meeting in Strathpine, council officers who assessed the DA, had recommended it be refused.

At the meeting Cr Shipway (Div 4) said: “As divisional councillor, I feel it is important I express the views of our community in relation to this withdrawn development application.

“While this development application has been withdrawn, our community finds these actions extremely disappointing, with the community being cognizant the journey has the ability to continue.

“Sadly, this application that has seen over 4000 submissions, has been withdrawn at the 11^th hour and as a result the council, as the collective representatives of the City of Moreton Bay, is now unable to debate the application and recommendation of council officers.”

Cr Shipway thanked the community for its “engagement relating to this development”, council officers for their “meticulous assessment of the application” and fellow councillors for their interest in “understanding the views of all parties”.

Comments on the Moreton Daily's Facebook page included one calling for the 67-hectare site to become “public space”, while another feared the former golf course may now be sold for housing.

One view on the post shared by the Narangba and Surrounding Landowners Support Group, welcomed the withdrawal, but felt it was a “strategic” move with the “possibility” of another DA in the future.

Comments on the North Lakes Community Facebook page included: "The local council should buy it and make it parkland for all".

Another said: "Golf course or open space for me!" while a third asked: "Surely there must be some golf lovers that could make up a buying group?"

The Village Retirement Group (TVRG) had wanted to build up to 250 retirement homes and a 120-bed residential care home on about 14 hectares of the site.

TVRG was offering to give almost 44ha to Moreton Bay City Council for “open space” but retain around eight hectares, which had no development plans.

However, in assessing the application, council officers “formed the view the application is in conflict with the DCP (Development Control Plan) and there are not sufficient planning grounds to justify approving the application despite the conflict”.

The public consultation period earlier this year saw a council record 4095 submissions, 3801 properly made, 294 incorrectly. Of those 3460 were against the development, 341 in support.