Maleny Residents, Caloundra Council And Democracy!
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November 30, 2007The Sunshine Coast’s Maleny residents are being asked to stand up and demand democracy on Wednesday 5 December. Why? Caloundra Council has ignored 1463 forms rejecting an 18 hole golf course on the Obi Obi Parklands – Maleny Community Precinct, on the basis of a last minute proposal put to Council by Councillor Don Smith, which no-one had time to consider.
The Situation
“The Obi Obi Parklands Group says Caloundra City Council, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, has ignored the Maleny community in its decision to go ahead with an 18-hole golf course in the area.
A new report on the Maleny Community Precinct recommends a nine-hole golf course, along with additional land for gardens and community facilities.
However, the council yesterday voted in favour of an amended plan put forward by Councillor Don Smith.
Steven Lang from the Obi Obi Parklands Group says the community would have accepted the initial report, but will not support the amendments.
“They were something that we could have lived with. They were something that we could have taken back to the community of Maleny and said, ‘look, it’s not exactly what we wanted, but it’s a compromise, it’s something we can work with’,” he said.
“Cr Smith has come forward with amendments to that – let’s cut it to pieces and include an 18-hole golf course – which is completely contrary to what the community of Maleny have asked them to do.””
Residents Asked to Attend A Public Meeting
“1,463 feedback forms rejecting an 18 hole golf course didn’t seem to have any effect. Come and give some direct feedback to our elected representatives! Bring placards and righteous indignation.”
Barry Earsmann – Sustainable Maleny Relocalise Group.
TIME: Wednesday, 5th December 7pm
VENUE: Maleny Community Centre, Maple Street, Maleny.
AND/OR
CATCH THE FEEDBACK BUS from Maleny to Council’s last meeting for the year
TIME: Thursday, 6th December
BUSES AVAILABLE 8.30am
Buses are being organised to run from Cooke Park (Maple St) at 8.15am, direct to Council.
RETURNING: Around 12pm.
What’s going on up there? How about a community-wide ‘creative conversation’ with representatives from ALL sides around a table?
4 Comments
I will be there. With at least six placards.
I saw this travesty in person; it made me physically sick. Come on folks, let PEOPLE POWER SPEAK. Stand up for Democracy!
One-sided reporting at it’s best. Obi Obi Parklands Group and Sustainable Maleny Relocalise Group are but two of many groups representing the Maleny community. What a travesty to think that these two groups have the best interests of the town in mind and irresponsible that such one-sided rage is protrayed as ‘representative’ and ‘democratic’.
From where I am, an 18 hole golf course is certainly more environmentally sustainable/considerate and aesthetically pleasing than the only other ‘viable’ alternative, being houses.
Sounds to me like democracy has indeed won this battle and it just so happens that the antagonist’s weren’t on the right side. I for one look forward to shopping at Woolworths after I have finished my game of golf!
Craig, you may care to give your version of what happened in council?
The Council Amalgamation vote closed Friday . I’m voting Yes just to try and get rid of the Caloundra City Mayor.