Citing traffic and flooding concerns, among other things, some local residents have expressed concerns over the proposal to build a large retirement living facility at the McLeod Country Golf Club in Mount Ommaney.
Read: Former Jindalee Resident Celebrates 100th Birthday With Trip Down Memory Lane
Designed by Marchese Partners in collaboration with Life 3A, the development would consist of five multi-storey buildings with 126 units in total.
The mix of two-bedroom, three-bedroom apartments, and penthouse units would surround a central communal open space featuring amenities like barbecue areas, a community garden, and landscaped seating zones. There will be 207 total parking spaces – 167 resident spaces and 40 visitor and staff spaces.
The project is slated to be constructed in two stages by developer Aura Holdings, pending approval.
Although many locals have welcomed the potential revenue source for club improvements, concerns have also been raised. Others have also criticised the length and height of the proposed structures.
Some worry the large buildings at the site could exacerbate existing traffic and flooding issues. The golf course was even forced to temporarily close after severe flooding in February 2022.
In response to concerns about flooding, planners emphasised the buildings would be constructed on an elevated section of the course at least 3 metres above flood levels.
Club president Diane Lally defended the plans, saying the leasing arrangement with Aura Holdings would provide vital capital for clubhouse and course upgrades, as well as a reliable income stream to ensure the club’s future viability.
The high-end retirement community would be operated by Aura Holdings, which is also behind the Somerset development in Indooroopilly and The Atrium in Lutwyche.
“The proposed Retirement Facility will provide significant benefits to the club, club members and local residents through its continued operation by providing a variety of indoor and outdoor recreation spaces in conjunction with the existing 18-hole golf course. The redevelopment of the site will provide additional funding for the club to undertake essential infrastructure upgrades on site, securing the long term feasibility of the MCGC,” planners wrote.
Read: Proposal Submitted for Oxley Retirement Facility & Community Centre
Planners highlighted that the proposal will cater to Brisbane’s ageing population, particularly those seeking independent living but not requiring full-time care and who want to remain independent.
They said the development will also help address the current housing shortage by allowing older residents to move out of their existing homes but stay in their neighbourhood. This would open up those homes to be occupied by other community members.
Published 28-December-2023
