Plans to reconfigure and expand the facilities at a renowned golf course have been lodged, as the club looks to “refine and optimise” its offerings.
Maroochy River Golf Club is planning to add a nine-hole par-three course with lighting, and a “mid-length” nine-hole “executive course”, as well as expanding its car park and maintenance facilities.
The proposal was submitted by Project Urban on behalf of Horton Park Golf Club Maroochydore Inc late last month, and follows a vote on the plan by members last May.
“This minor change application is lodged in response to the club’s desire to refine and optimise its outdoor sport and recreational offer in order to support the club’s infrastructure, membership growth and financial sustainability,” a letter by Project Urban supporting the application says.
The plan includes changing a previously approved 18-hole pitch-and-putt course to a more compact nine-hole par-three course, complete with lighting to allow for evening play.
Currently vacant land earmarked for a third nine holes of the full course would instead become the new nine-hole executive course, designed to appeal to time-poor golfers and complement the existing championship layout.
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Extra car parking spaces would also be added, bringing the total to 352.
“The revised car park layout provides 106 additional spaces to cater for the anticipated increase in patronage associated with the extended recreational offer, including evening play,” the report says.
Supporting infrastructure would include an extension to the existing maintenance shed and a new 245sqm equipment storage building.
Minor alterations and additions to already-approved plans to expand the existing clubhouse are also proposed.
“The amended architectural plans illustrate … a new entry airlock, bar extension and integration of mini golf facilities with a cafe and associated amenities. The plans demonstrate internal reconfiguration of dining, gaming and service areas, together with new external works such as terraces, pathways and landscaping,” it states.
The application says the changes will also require a refinement to the approved staging of the golf club’s development.
Stages 1 and 2 were the existing 18-hole course, clubhouse, mini golf course and associated facilities. Stage 3 is the nine-hole par-three course; Stage 4 is the car park extension and shed additions; Stage 5 is the nine-hole executive course; and Stage 6 is the previously approved clubhouse extension.
The report notes that access to the club from David Low Way will continue to operate at an “acceptable level” from its opening in 2027 to the 10-year design horizon of 2037.
“The assessment confirms that the development will not result in significant increases in delay, queuing or congestion,” it says.
It also notes the proposed lighting for the reconfigured nine-hole par-three course would incorporate modern LEDs mounted at appropriate heights and angles to ensure light is focused on playing areas while minimising “spill”.
The report says the proposal constitutes a minor change because it would not result in “substantially different” development.
“The change merely reconfigures the approved golf course layout (replacing an 18-hole short course with a nine-hole par-three and a nine-hole executive course), modifies an approved car park extension and adds ancillary maintenance structures. The development continues to operate as a golf course with ancillary facilities,” it says.
The proposal also require consideration by the State Assessment Referral Agency.
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