Dear Don Aldous
A number of people have written letters to the Caloundra shire Mayor Don Aldous, on the matter of the so-called "Maleny Community Precinct".
The community consultation process, which was well-defined and well-attended, has been interrupted by our councillors. Apparently this has been to favour a single option of an 18 hole golf course, instead of the range of options that had been prepared by council staff. So far there have been no good explanations given for this action.
Another option has been prepared, more in keeping with the direction of the consultation process, and based on input from a number of community groups. You can see it here: http://www.obiobiparklands.com.
Below are some excerpts from letters written by community members in response to this situation. Click on "read more" to see the whole letter, or scroll to the index at the bottom of the page.
We urge you to write one of your own to Don Aldous
If you forward a copy of your letter to us, we can display it on this page.
"We participated in the council led planning groups and it was our understanding that, despite councillor Dick Newman's support for a golf course and despite the relatively few ardent golf course supporters who were sprinkled throughout the meetings, the overwhelming majority of Maleny citizens present did not want a golf course, preferring wetlands, gardens and some forest with lots of walking and riding trails.
"Although experienced town planners were engaged for the specific purpose of preparing options for the site, based on the expressed wishes of the community and taking into account the restraints of the block, the planners’ recommendations were apparently ignored, or overridden by Council, who proceeded straight to this ‘draft structure plan’ with one option."
"Below is a list of the details for Golf courses located on the Sunshine coast. There are 19 in the Sunshine Coast alone not to mention a further 52 in the greater Brisbane area that's a total of 71 Golf courses within a 2 hour drive of Maleny. I am drawn to question the viability of another golf course located in our region?"
"When I see the vision for a garden, wetland, forest, community facilities, etc, etc I am truly inspired by the desire to harness and develop the natural beauty of our region, which is one of the main reasons we moved our family here 12 years ago."
"The Australian.Bureau of Statistics (QLD Review 2003) and the Australian Sports Commission ( 2005) showed that golf is the preferred recreation of less than 6% of the Qld population. Walking, cycling and swimming were the most popular and are not age specific. All ages and abilities, young and old can enjoy cycle/walking paths and swimming. Golf, however, requires expensive equipment/fees and skill to participate."