Arm End new plan

LOCALS opposed to plans for a new golf course at South Arm are ready to step in with a new vision for the area, if the links project fails.

A community group unveiled plans for a new recreation reserve to replace the multimilliondollar golf course with walking tracks and play and picnic facilities. The golf course proponents say its project is still on track.

A COMMUNITY group has released its alternative vision for a southeast Tasmanian site being developed as a recreation reserve and golf course.

A small group of Tasmanian investors are backing the multimillion-dollar Arm End project located at Opossum Bay. The development of the 116ha crown land site was first proposed in 2009 and the first iteration was approved by the Clarence City Council in 2012.

On Sunday, a group opposing the development, Re Imagine the End, put forward an alternative vision including artist’s impressions for the site, which would include low-scale infrastructure and rehabilitation of the land.

RITE co-ordinator Robyn McNicol said the group had worked with a range of heritage and conservation experts over the past two years to build the vision.

“This proposal allows for a diversity of activities, acknowledges indigenous culture and provides low-level development such as interpretative panels and wayfinding signage, picnicking facilities, a children’s play area,” she said.

“The vision is by no means finalised – we know it’s not perfect, it’s going to continue and grow.”

Ms McNicol said if there was ever an opportunity to go forward with the plan, people had pledged funds and there were conservation grants that could be applied for to help cover costs.

But, Arm End project manager Craig Ferguson said the development was on track to be completed and open in 2022.

“We aim to start on the water pipeline to irrigate the whole of South Arm, including Arm End, in November – the approvals required to provide water have taken around three years,” he said.

“We are continuing the extensive environmental rehabilitation and revegetation program and have mowed out the golf course. We have managed to control the two most invasive weed species across the site – African boxthorn and Serrated Tussock.”

Mr Ferguson said a reserve activity assessment was also being done to establish a bird sanctuary.

“We are committed to getting it right – for the sake of the project, the environment and the community,” he said.

“We have offered to support and help the RITE group as we see many of their values align with the Arm End project development.

“They have rejected any offers to work together.”