Letter nails plan for 13th expansion

Jessica Benton
A LETTER from the state’s Planning Minister is another nail in the coffin of a controversial plan to expand 13th Beach Golf Club, according to a community group.
Save Barwon Heads Alliance spokesperson Stephen Wickham revealed a 2007 letter from Justin Madden to then-Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood opposing development on the proposed expansion site.
Mr Madden’s letter said no buildings were allowed for “accommodation or commercial purposes on land east of Lings Road”.
“Strict limitations are necessary to manage future use and development of Stage C of the resort to maintain the green break to the Barwon Heads township,” Mr Madden said.
Mr Wickham said the letter was proof State Government objected to further development west of the town boundary.
The golf club wants to build another 18-hole golf course, a second clubhouse and a “well being centre” with a day spa, an indoor pool, a gym and massage facilities.
Geelong’s council is set to vote on whether to send to an independent panel a new Barwon Heads structure plan ruling out building on the proposed expansion site.
The club has prepared but put on hold a proposed structure plan amendment seeking approval for the expansion.
Mr Wickham wanted council to ensure the club had no opportunity to go ahead with the project, particularly site was adjacent to a swamp listed under an international RAMSAR treaty protecting wetlands.
“Even with something as straight forward as a farming zone people can build golf courses, residential hotels and any manner of hard infrastructures, all of which fly in the face of the minister’s letter,” he said.
“Council needs to adopt a rural conservation or appropriate zoning and overlays for the area with regard to the impact on the RAMSAR-listed site.”
“This is one of the most important occasions where planners and City of Greater Geelong can take an approach that will put an end to housing development by stealth.”
Mr Wickham said the “internationally significant wetlands” should be retained for public enjoyment.
He also disputer the viability of another golf course on the Bellarine Peninsula.
“We’ve already got 10 golf courses on the Bellarine Peninsula, some of which are going broke, why build another one?”
Mr Wickham said state policy required green breaks between “settlements”.
The Independent reported last month the golf course plan was under a cloud after City of Greater Geelong councillors voted to defer a bid to rezone land earmarked for the project.
Management of the golf club has repeatedly declined to comment on the expansion plan.