Media release – Tasmanian Conservation Trust, 1 October 2022
Arm End golf course fails to materialise after six and a half years
“Today the TCT has written to the Clarence City Council (CCC) seeking confirmation that the Arm End golf course planning permit has now expired,” the TCT CEO Peter McGlone said today.
“The CCC is the planning authority, they decide if the development has achieved ‘substantial commencement’.”
Under the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act, a permit has a maximum life span of six years. A special COVID-19 extension of six months was granted to all permit holders.
Clarence City Council has informed the TCT in writing that unless the Arm End golf course is substantially commenced the planning permit will expire on 1 October 2022.
“It is now six and a half years since the proponent was granted its planning permit. They have not done any work on this unpopular and inappropriate golf course,” Mr McGlone continued.
“Several demountable site offices have been installed, water pipes have been stockpiled and temporary fencing erected around sensitive sites, but this is not construction and does not count toward substantial commencement. A lot of boxthorn has been removed, but this is also not part of the actual golf course development.
“Our experience from challenging the Gunns’ Pulp Mill permit in the Supreme Court in 2011 was that none of these preparatory or ancillary works count toward substantial commencement.
“The proponent’s inability to build the golf course after more than six years demonstrates the uncommercial nature of their proposal and just how deeply unpopular it is with the local community.
“It is time for this golf course on the Arm End public reserve to be finally and permanently abandoned.
“TCT looks forward to working with the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community, local residents and state government to ensure that this prominent public reserve is given new life.”
The proposal for a water pipeline taking treated effluent from Blackmans Bay to South Arm is an entirely different development with a different permit that is still valid.
The Arm End golf course was the primary user of the water to be piped through the pipeline. In 2021 the Australian Government allocated $5 million toward the pipeline.
“The pipeline can still be built if there are other landowners willing to support it.
“TCT and the residents won special conditions in the planning tribunal in 2019 to protect the spotted handfish populations that live in the pathway of the water pipeline.”
Featured image above courtesy TasTrails.
Ed
October 22, 2022 at 08:40
It would be a shame if a handful of angry muppets prevent this initiative from proceeding, because it will bring monthly joy to thousands of people.
But they won’t experience that joy because this initiative is proceeding … for example, the pipes are being laid.
Papa
November 2, 2022 at 12:33
Exactly, Ed.
I live in south arm and think it is a great idea, and honestly I haven’t spoken to anyone who thinks it wouldn’t be fantastic.
Tom
November 18, 2022 at 11:55
Hopefully this will all go ahead. I’m really looking forward to seeing it progress in the near future.
What an asset for Tasmania!