REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Saturday December 3, 2005

CANUNGRA was to become home to one of the world’s premier golf and equine projects after a high-powered consortium unveiled plans for an $800 million project that would change the Hinterland community forever.

Before work even began, businessmen Craig Gore and Tony Cochrane planned to spend $100 million on major infrastructure such as roads and sewerage, as well as a 2500megalitre water storage tank.

The Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course was to sit atop Seven Mountains, formerly known as Saddleback Mountain, and be ringed by 720 homes, units and villas ranging in price from $300,000 to $1.1 million.

A total of 1500 residential lots would be developed throughout the sprawling 925ha site. A five-star resort would be built on a nearby ridge, between the golf course and equine precinct.

Triple Olympic gold medallist Andrew Hoy and leading equine designer Tim Court were to combine to oversee a $50 million equestrian centre that would sit at the bottom of the mountain.

Mitchell Spearman, tutor to top pros including British Open winner Ian Baker-Finch, was tapped to run the golf academy.

Grandiose plans to attract the world’s best showjumpers for major competition were already well advanced.

Hundreds of Canungra residents were expected to attend a public meeting to hear Mr Gore’s proposal.

The equestrian centre was touted as the centrepiece of the development.

The project never went ahead.