Sunshine Coast Hinterland Times

Council is expected to endorse in June the most extensive development ever on the Hinterland of the Sunshine Coast. The Maleny Community Precinct – in the planning for seven years – has been the focus of bitter differences by community groups seeking to stake their claims on this prime piece of real estate.

C ouncillor Jenny McKay proudly presents the Maleny Community Precinct Plan to Sunshine Coast media.

THE 126 HECTARES of farmland next to the Maleny township, and bordered on its southern boundary by the Obi Obi Creek, was bought by Caloundra City Council in 2006.

The years since then have seen competing interests consolidate around those who foresaw a world class parklands that would showcase Queensland flora and fauna and those who wanted an 18-hole golf course.

In controversial circumstances Caloundra City approved a plan for an 18-hole golf course, despite public and private surveys which showed resident preference for public parkland over the limited use that a golf course would offer.

The amalmagation of Queensland councils in 2005 saw the new Sunshine Coast Regional Council promise to diffuse local tensions and re-visit the Caloundra City Precinct decision.

Two years later, and after regular meetings chaired by local Councillor Jenny McKay, a compromise has been established between stakeholder groups.

If Council approves the plan, the Maleny Community Precinct will have several distinct elements – an ecological parkland, two separate wetland areas, Barung Landcare nursery, an area of 3-4 sports fields and an aquatic centre, space for a future communal sports clubhouse, the heritage-protected Pattemore House, a par 3,18-hole golf course and an area that will be land-banked for possible future development as residential land adjacent to the existing Cloudwalk Estate.

Project Director, Alan Rogers said that although the residential component was important for future funding of the project he was recommending it should be put on hold for five to seven years given the depressed state of the housing market.

One of the most sensitive aspects of the project has been the size of riparian zones around the Obi Obi Creek. The City Plan provides for a minimum of 40 metres but to accommodate sports field on low-lying land a buffer of 20 metres is proposed.

Barung President Eric Anderson said that, “I believe the path along Obi Obi creek from the centre of the Maleny township to Gardners Falls will become a walk of significance for locals and visitors alike. “

President of Green Hills Maleny, Paul Gilmour-Walsh said his group is proud of the part it has played in bringing the Precinct to this stage.

“The Master Plan is a great start towards detailed designs and implementation of those designs”, Mr Gilmour-Walsh said. “We look forward to playing our part which will benefit the community for generations to come.”

Once Council has ticked off the proposal the various groups will have to form business plans to demonstrate they can deliver the facilities they have argued for on behalf of the Maleny community.

One of the undecided issues is road access to the Precinct. Cr McKay favours vehicle access beside the Primary School although the most likely option is beside Erowal. Alan Rogers believes a main road access will not be built until the residential area comes onto the market to provide the funding. At present, the only vehicle access to the Precinct will be from Porter’s Lane via Obi Lane in north Maleny. A footbridge beside the Primary School is a likely interim access. Mr Rogers says having a master plan allows the groups to firm up their business plans, allows Council to put in governance provisions and open up avenues for outside funding. Community groups will have to meet milestones before they will be granted leases.

Cr McKay said her fellow councillors respected the amount of work that has been done on the master plan, but there is concern about the money required to complete projects. Sunshine Coast Mayor, Bob Abbot told the Hinterland Times that, “a wide range of views had to be considered during this process in our effort to address two key objectives: the allocation of land for community and sporting purposes; and the desire to protect the Obi Obi Creek while creating a world-class natural environment on the site for all to enjoy. This plan is borne out of lengthy and detailed discussions between Council and the relevant community groups .I think it has potential to enhance Maleny’s liveability and environment well into the future.”