Council back golf village

THE council’s planning committee has backed a proposal for a multi-level retirement village and wellness centre on the Burleigh Golf Club course.

But despite overwhelmingly supporting the plan councillors have flagged they intend to support preserving the city’s golf courses from residential development.

Robina-based councillor Hermann Vorster told the meeting: “My strong feeling as a council is we ought to preserve aggressively our golf courses.

“I would normally have apprehension about any development whatsoever occurring on a golf course. What I like about this development is there is no impact on the course.”

Officers recommended approval for the project but the conditions will include reducing the size of one of three buildings, the closest near residential homes.

The first 25 per cent of that building will be reduced by two storeys to four storeys, and the second 25 per cent by one storey. The balance of the project will remain six storeys but the aim is to preserve the view for nearby residents.

The development will include just more than 170 units, an ancillary cafe, medical centre and shop.

An officer’s report said the Burleigh Golf Club would lease the land for 102 years to Retire Australia Pty Ltd “resulting in a financial gain” for members.

Only about 16,000 sqm or 3.33 per cent of the golf course is needed for the development, a key factor in councillors at the planning meeting yesterday supporting the project, which still needs to be passed by full council.

Acting Mayor Donna Gates urged councillors to support the officer’s recommendations and was backed by area councillor Pauline Young who spoke of the need for older residents at Burleigh to “age in place”.

Council received 94 objections and eight properties near the proposed development will be impacted by traffic and noise but heard suburbs like Burleigh lack open space for retirement facilities.

Planning committee chairman Cameron Caldwell during the meeting admitted he was “highly suspicious” about an application for land on a green space but was hopeful the development would provide financial stability for the club.

Councillor Pauline Young is not on the planning committee and unable to vote but indicated she will support the application at full council.

“I believe hopefully it will be the right outcome for the whole of the community,” Cr Young said, outside the council meeting.

Only three per cent of the golf course along an unused section would be required, she said. About 40 per cent of the local population was aged between 65 to 79 years and the development would provide them with much needed retirement facilities.

“It allows them to age in place,” Cr Young said.