Call for more campaign 'voices'

Campaigners are appealing for more help as they battle plans for a two-level driving range on the former North Lakes golf course.

Save North Lakes Golf Course (SNLGC) estimates more than 130 submissions have already been sent to Moreton Bay City Council.

Of those publicly available with the development application on Council’s website, SNLGC says about 95 per cent are against a driving range.

SNLGC says Council has sent a “comprehensive five-page information request” for the applicant to return by late November.

With no community consultation under the “code assessable” process, the group “strongly believes” more submissions are needed.

“If you've already made a submission, thank you," SNLGC told members, "how about asking family, friends or neighbours to add their voice?”

There has also been a meeting with Federal Member for Petrie Emma Comer seeking further avenues campaigners may be able to use.

SNLGC wants the land restored “as a golf course, maintained as a golf course, as always intended, with a clubhouse and beautiful surrounding environment for everyone to enjoy”.

Mango Hill Progress Association (MHPA) has long supported that goal and in its submission says the current plan “would not be in the best interest of the community”.

Under the Mango Hill Infrastructure Development Control Plan (DCP) provides in Precinct Plan 003 provides for a Central Open Space Precinct.

“We believe the only appropriate use for this valuable property is as a golf course, and the opportunity for this to happen must be preserved,” says President Laurence Christie.

However, MHPA does suggest changes, including relocating the clubhouse and using the course’s former driving range for the new driving range.

Within their submission, Alana and Michael Sheeran said the “proposed driving range building is outside the approved General Building and Carpark zone.

“Residents are bound by the DCP and covenants; the landowner should be equally bound to the DCP requirements,” they wrote.

Helen Baldwin said: “The risks to traffic safety, environmental values and community wellbeing are far too great.

"Protecting the environmental and residential character of North Lakes must take priority over commercial gain.”

Save North Lakes Golf Course (SNLGC) has been fighting development plans since the course closed in 2018 … with some success.

Moves to build 250 retirement homes and a 120-bed residential care home on 14 hectares of the 67-ha site were defeated in 2023.

In July, JH Northlakes returned with proposals for a 68-bay driving range, pro shop, bar, restaurant and conference/function facilities on two hectares.