A development application to build a links golf course with associated facilities was approved last night by the Clarence City Council. However, some concession was provided when an amendment was successfully moved that will enable the public to continue to access the area. This will mean that runners, walkers and horse riders will be able to continue to access the area to be used as a golf course on existing or modified tracks.
Earlier in the meeting deputations from both Orienteering Tasmania and the Save Our Spit group addressed the council, voicing major concerns with the proposed development. Orienteering Tasmania's request to the council to re-locate the development to the northern side of Centre Road or to the sand mining area, was ignored. This now means that if the developers proceed with the golf course, the most complex and demanding orienteering area on the southern side of the spit will be lost to orienteering. While the amendment that was passed may mean that orienteers will continue to have access to some fringe areas, the loss of the southern area means the end to holding national or international events at Seven Mile Beach.
I would like to thank OT Secretary Janet Bush in particular for assisting with our submission. I would also like to thank the orienteers who came along last night to support us.
The fight continues on a new front on Thursday with Janet, myself and the SOS people meeting with Crown Law Services in order to discuss the crown's lease arrangements for this development.
Meanwhile the developer's first application for multiple golf courses and 200 dwellings goes before the Tasmanian Planning Commission Hearing early in August. Yesterday, written submissions from our expert witnesses, Christine Marshall, Mike Dowling and Mike Morffew were submitted for that hearing. Their work in preparing this information is very much appreciated.
Ian Rathbone
OT Vice President