KINGSTON Mayor Georgina Oxley has implored the state government to allow “proper time” to assess the latest development plans for the former Kingswood Golf Club site.
The News understands that developer Slattery is planning to build 900 residential units on the former golf course in Dingley Village, which has been vehemently opposed by locals who say it would be a case of overdevelopment and create a community “disaster”. If approved, the development spanning 53.4 hectares, would increase Dingley Village’s population by 20-25 per cent.
While Slattery is finalising the complex proposal Cr Oxley expressed concern that the council and residents would not have sufficient time to review it and called for genuine community consultation. “We’re demanding meaningful community engagement before anything is set in stone,” Cr Oxley said. “The community has already shown massive interest in this project – 8000 objections were lodged against a previous plan,” Cr Oxley said.
Other issues the council wanted addressed were how public assets would be managed and whether the development would “contribute adequately to essential community infrastructure”. “Once built, council will be responsible for roads, footpaths, parks, open spaces, and services for thousands of new residents,” Cr Oxley said. “We must have a fair say in how these assets are planned and maintained.”
Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny will allow public consultation on the development plan, a decision welcomed by Cr Oxley as it was not legally mandated. “We’re pleased the Minister is allowing consultation, reinforcing the government’s own advisory committee findings that past consultation has been inadequate, and that comprehensive engagement is essential,” Cr Oxley said. The council said, “Kingston Council is calling on the Victorian Government to commit to a transparent, in-depth consultation process that genuinely considers community concerns”.
After buying the golf course in March last year, the Satterley’s chief executive and founder Nigel Satterley said, “The Satterley team are looking forward to developing the site into an iconic infill master planned community with extensive open space, mature landscaping and family parks for both existing and future residents to enjoy, all within a short stroll of the established amenity in Dingley Village”.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 19 February 2025
