By MICHELLE HERBISON
State Government has approved a planning scheme amendment to expand and redevelop Lonsdale Golf Club and create 100 new residential lots.
The decision followed an independent inquiry and assessment of an Environmental Effects Statement for the proposal at Fellows Rd, Point Lonsdale.
Lonsdale Golf Club redevelopment taskforce chairman Ross McKenzie said the approval had taken more than 10 years.
“The amendment will allow the club to pursue its aim of developing the 100 residential allotments, the proceeds from which will be utilised to purchase adjacent land, redevelop the golf course and construct a new clubhouse and maintenance facilities.”
Mr McKenzie said he hoped the first stage of allotment sales could begin next summer.
Planning Minister Matthew Guy described the development as a “major economic boost” for the town.
“We’re set to deliver a residential development, a dedicated conservation reserve and a redeveloped golf course.”
The residential development would also boost the local building industry, he said.
The rezoning would include relocating four holes away from environmentally sensitive areas and establishing 8000 square metres of public open space.
The golf club would manage a new conservation reserve adjacent to the course on Lake Victoria to be part of Lonsdale Lakes State Nature Reserve.
Mr Guy said the new reserve would help protect habitats of threatened and migratory birds including orange-bellied parrots.
“It is within three kilometres of the Swan Bay Ramsar site which is listed as a wetland of international importance,” he said.
The Independent reported in November 2011 that 26 out of 166 submissions to council raised concerns about the development proposal.
Most objectors lived opposite or nearby to Fellows Rd and suggested the 100 new houses would impact on views, remove vegetation, impact on the character of the road and bring additional traffic and safety issues.
Submissions in support of the plans highlighted the sporting, social and community benefits Lonsdale Golf Club provided to the town.
Member for Western Victoria David Koch said two years of “dealing with complex environmental planning matters” had produced an “outstanding result”.
“This is a great outcome for our local community providing new jobs and growth.”
