5. POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF DEVELOPMENT
If the land is subdivided into 40 blocks, assuming 3-4 people in one family house on each block would mean upwards of 120 people are likely to be living in this area. The impact of this many people aside, if each household has only one pet the impact on the wildlife could be devastating.
The residential development would see the introduction of poisons, fertilizers and introduced plants in the development of gardens that may be detrimental to the waterways and existing native fauna.
If this land is to be opened to development lower density occupation would lessen the impact to the fragile environment surrounding it.
6. PROPOSAL FOR AN ALTERNATIVE USE OF THE LAND
The possibility of this land being preservation and developed into a world renowned wetland should not be overlooked and should be considered for the future planning and management of this land.
Warrnambool has been applauded for the preservation of its coastal reserve and wetlands such as Lake Pertobe. The promenade is recognised as a great initiative of the City. The inclusion of Merri Wetlands to the extensive walking initiatives already in place should not be overlooked.
This land could be used for education and research into the fragile environments that exist there, with the further benefit that they will be preserved for future generations.
Within the planning process consideration should be taken into account for the effect on the Merri Marine Sanctuary www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=261
7. REPORT FROM THE STANDARD NEWSPAPER
Golf club plan back on books
GREG BEST and SHANE FOWLES June 26, 2007
AN EXPANSION of Warrnambool Golf Club's 18-hole course is again being considered as a bid to allow housing development is reviewed.
A state independent planning panel will consider if farming land on Younger Street can be rezoned to host residential lots.
The city council last night voted to ask Planning Minister Justin Madden to appoint a panel to consider the application.
The move has attracted seven submissions, although only four of those raised any concerns about rezoning.
If successful, it will allow the club to sell blocks in a combined 20.5-hectare area and generate millions of dollars to help bankroll a major extension.
Draft plans forecast that 70-80 new dwellings could be built at the western end of Younger Street.
The club last year said it had shelved expansion plans, despite them being re-worked many times during a 14-year gestation.
However, secretary-manager Gary Parsons now says all options will be considered if the rezoning is given the green light.
He said the club's re-development options couldn't be determined until the land had been rezoned and the amount of dollars a sale would fetch known.
``The rezoning will give us an option as to what things we are likely to proceed with,'' Mr Parsons said.
``The next two years will be really exciting for the club, it has been a long time coming.''
The club bought the land from the council for $320,000 in 2004.
The city paid the same price for it back in 1992 when it agreed to hold the site pending a decision by the club on expansion of its course.
Any redevelopment would have to gain the approval from the council which inserted a clause to protect public interest.
Mr Parsons said the club would assess its options once it knew how much money a residential sell-off could generate.
8. SUBMISSION TO THE WARRNAMBOOL CITY COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT RECREATIONAL PLAN.
A vision for a world standard wetlands reserve
The Merri River Wetland located on the Western coastal fringe of Warrnambool provides a unique opportunity to extend the promenade and consolidate the coastal reserves.
The area incorporates approximately 80 acres of WCC held land between Swinton Street and the proposed O’Brien Street. The southern boundary is coastal sand dunes and the northern boundary the Merri River cutting. These spectacular wetlands have been privately owned for many years and human impact has been limited.
The vision is to develop a world class, eco-friendly tourism attraction incorporated into the Mahogany Trail, and the proposed Rail Trail. Imagine a bird watching trail offering opportunities for education and research into this fragile environment.
An alternate walking path from the Lady Bay, following the north side of the Merri cutting through to Block or Landmann Street and crossing the river to follow a promenade through the wetland and along what was the original road to Port Fairy, this would link up with the Mahogany Trail at Thunder Point or follow the river to the proposed rail trail.
A study of holiday choices shows people are increasingly turning to eco-tourism. Warrnambool already has a reputation as a popular destination for environmental enthusiasts, which includes the whales, Tower Hill, Lady Bay, Thunder Point, Lake Pertobe and the Botanic Gardens.
These wetlands are an invaluable asset and should be preserved and marketed.
Reference: Boondall Wetlands
www.ourbrisbane.com/visitors/seeanddo/river/boondall_sandgate.htm
