By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A CONSERVATION group has lodged a formal objection against a proposed boundary realignment of land pitched as the future home of Keysborough Golf Club.
Defenders of the South East Green Wedge argue that the 256-356 Pillars Road site is unsuitable for a golf course due to being flood-prone, acid sulphate soils and conflict with Greater Dandenong’s planning scheme.
Secretary Barry Ross said recontouring the land could lead to run-off to nearby properties and works could disturb acid sulphate soils that could acidify waterways.
Developer Intrapac Projects – which doesn’t own all of the land parcels – denies the land is flood-prone.
“The land was chosen because of its suitability for a golf course and it should also be noted that this land, unlike on the northern side of Pillars Road, is not subject to inundation,” chief operating officer Max Shifman said.
“The club is well aware of the issues associated with acid sulphate soils and, as with all activities undertaken in areas where acid sulphate soils are present, the club will take all the necessary steps required to manage the issue.”
It has not proposed golf course works as part of the application which is to re-subdivide 116.5 hectares into four blocks, including a 74-hectare ‘Lot 4’ earmarked for the golf club.
Its submission states that the new layout will provide an opportunity for “sustainable farming activities” and for a “broader range of agricultural activities… especially on proposed Lot 4”.
Mr Shifman said the golf club would consult and seek approval for the course “at the appropriate time”.
“The land is identified as farming land because the boundary realignment application form asks what the land is currently being used for.
“It would be premature to mention a golf course until the necessary consultations have been held and works approvals have been obtained.”
Mr Ross said his group’s main objection was the golf club’s associated plan to carve its current green wedge golf course into a housing estate.
“The council is probably going to bat away (the realignment objection) and say it’s just for agricultural purposes.
“Once these things get legs, it makes them harder to stop.”
Last month 85 per cent of voting members approved a deal with Intrapac to move to Pillars Road on condition that its current home at Springvale and Hutton roads was rezoned for residential development.
