THE deadline for submissions on AustralianSuper’s proposed redevelopment of the old Kingswood golf course in Dingley Village has been extended.
The proposal will see more than 800 housing lots constructed on the former golf course. The developer is also requesting that the zoning restrictions for the site be changed to allow for the construction of buildings up to three stories, 11 metres, in height.
The planning minister has referred the application to the state government’s golf course redevelopment standing advisory committee for consideration. Submissions on the proposal will now be accepted until 11.59pm on 20 August.
AustralianSuper senior investment director, Fiona Dunster, welcomed the extension. “Allowing additional time will help ensure everyone who has an interest in the future of the former golf course site has an opportunity to understand what is proposed,” she said.
AustralianSuper boasts that the proposal has 14 hectares of open space, expands and creates new wetlands, and retains 850 existing trees. “The new proposal supports a range of housing that will appeal to families, downsizers, first–home buyers and those on lower incomes. Importantly it will help younger Dingley people stay in the area where they grew up, and older people to stay near friends and family as their needs change,” Ms Dunster said.
The site was purchased by AustralianSuper in 2014 for $125 million. Its previous proposal to develop the land was knocked back by Kingston Council in 2018 after public outcry and nearly 8000 community submissions. Council will make a submission on the new plans to the advisory committee.
When the new plans were released, Save Kingswood Group Inc spoke out in opposition. The group’s president, Kevin Poulter said “the latest application indicates 823 lots, each less than 300 square metres, and a reduction in car parking plus many more nasties. We are outraged that the developer could even dream of such an insidious plan” (“New plans for golf course redevelopment revealed” The News 30/6/21).
To make a submission visit engage.vic.gov.au/GolfSAC-Kingswood
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 11 August 2021