An application has been lodged for an outdoor sport and recreation centre, with a clubhouse including a restaurant, bar and craft distillery, on grazing land at Diddillibah.
Clark Enterprises No.2 Pty Ltd proposes to establish a golf driving range, mini golf course and courts for the fast-growing sports of padel tennis and pickleball on land fronting David Low Way west of the Harbourside Holiday Resort and opposite Ingenia Holidays Rivershore.
The almost 30-hectare property is zoned rural and has been used for light grazing for 25 years, although a portion of it remains wetland.
Diagrams show the centre would be located at the eastern end of the property, closest to Harbourside.
It would include a driving range with 60 roofed bays and a kiosk and bar; an 18-hole putt-putt course; six padel tennis courts; a children’s play area; a single-storey 1716sqm clubhouse with function room, bar and restaurant, including a craft distillery; and parking for 200 vehicles.
Documents say a vegetation buffer would be established between the development and Harbourside, and along David Low Way.
Although the property has an entrance off Clarkes Road, a single main entry is proposed off David Low Way.
A planning report says the diverse offerings would help meet demand from a growing population for outdoor recreational facilities and stimulate growth by attracting visitors.
It says it would support local businesses and jobs, both during construction and ongoing operations, contributing significantly to the local economy.
“It enhances the attractiveness of the region as a destination for sports tourism, potentially increasing revenue for nearby accommodations, restaurants and retail businesses,” it says.
The report says the proposed development would promote tourism, sports and recreational activities in line with the South East Queensland Regional Plan guidelines for the area.
“These activities diversify the local rural economy while maintaining the area’s rural character,” it says.
The report says light grazing on the land has been unsuccessful but the naturally flat landscape was suitable for recreational use, such as a golf driving range.
“The large, open land area allows for the development of multiple recreational zones without significant alteration to the existing landscape, preserving the natural contours and minimising site disturbance,” it says.
An outdoor recreational centre and clubhouse, although non-rural uses, would be compatible with the rural setting, it says.
It says the proposal would repurpose the land without compromising it for rural activities, as only 2000sqm was designated for the proposed development, which would not encroach on mapped wetland.
“These activities diversify the local rural economy while maintaining the area’s rural character,” the report says.
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