The Arm End golf course at Opossum Bay was first approved by Clarence City Council in March 2013 and the lease was issued by Parks and Wildlife Service in December 2014.
In six years no work has taken place and the project has changed three times. The project involves an 18 hole course spread across the entire reserve. The golf course is strongly opposed by the Tasmanian Aboriginal community. Most locals say they do not want to walk in the reserve while golf is being played and many tracks will have to be closed. Now the proponent wants to irrigate the fairways using treated effluent it will supply via a pipeline from Blackman’s Bay sewerage treatment plant. This will put severe restrictions on public access and enjoyment of the reserve.
Re-Imagine The End (RITE) was formed in 2018 to oppose the golf course and network with the local community and other users to develop an alternative vision for Arm End. It is time for the golf course to be abandoned and a new vision for Arm End progressed that fits with what the local community wants.
I have met with scores of locals and other users of Arm End and they are united in wanting low-level development that protects the natural and heritage values of the reserve and does not intrude on the stunning views. Most people want to use the area for passive recreation such as walking, dog walking and bicycling and want only limited development such as upgrading the tracks and possibly a public toilet.
The proponent has had six years to find funding but has clearly failed. While the proponent has a lease over the land they stop others proposing a lower level of development and improvements to the environment. The development has changed several times and we wonder if this is a strategy to incrementally move toward a much different development?
RITE is developing an alternative vision for Arm End Reserve and to campaign to stop the golf course. In April 2020 the proponent can seek a third and final two-year permit from council. RITE wants to convince Council to not approve this extension to allow progress on our alternative vision for Arm End.
To have your say about Arm End Reserve go to the web site at: https://www.rite.org.au
Robyn McNicol
Spokesperson, Re-Imagine The End